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About Bitter Liqueur

About Bitter Liqueur
Bitter liqueurs are quite famous, especially those from Italy, such as amaro, and France. These liqueurs are made in various regions throughout these countries and are made from secret recipes of herbs and spices - some local, many imported from other territories. The herbs and spices include things such as orange peel, rhubarb, pomegranate and tree bark. Quite often these are mixed with fruit juices for pre-dinner cocktails, while most examples of amaro are enjoyed straight, often as a digestif. Alcohol levels are usually around 20% to 25%.

Top Picks for Bitter Liqueur

Cynar 70 Bitter Liqueur
95 points
$36
Cynar
70 Bitter Liqueur
Mahogany color. Aromas of white pepper, bitter roots, and aloe vera with a slightly chewy, crisp, moderately sweet medium body and a smooth, captivating, medium-length cocoa powder, sweet carrot, carob, angelica, and black tea finish. A chewy, potent Bitter Liqueur for Black Manhattans and Last Word riffs.
Awards: 2021 Best Bitter Liqueur
95 points $36
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Date Tasted:
Averna Amaro Siciliano Liqueur
94 points
$30.99
Averna
Amaro Siciliano Liqueur
Brown black color. Aromas and flavors of rosemary, black tea, chicory, cacao nibs, cedar, anise, and menthol with a glycerous, lively, very sweet medium-to-full body and a graceful, layered, long finish with suggestions of black coffee, chocolate-covered caramel, charred nuts, and cinnamon Danish finish. A rock solid bitter liqueur with bold aromas and a silky smooth, balanced palate.
94 points $30.99
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Date Tasted:
Amérisse Liqueur Amére au Cassis
93 points
$30
Amérisse
Liqueur Amére au Cassis
Rich reddish mahogany color. Aromas and flavors of seville orange, carob, nettle, orris root, angelica, and ginseng with a satiny, vibrant, moderately sweet medium body and a smooth, involved, long finish revealing overtones of juicy grapefruit. A bittersweet, practically juicy Aperitivo that will be a dream in a spritz; highly satisfying and bright.
93 points $30
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Date Tasted:
Bitter Journey Bingzhou Liqueur
92 points
$40
Bitter Journey
Bingzhou Liqueur
Bright bronze color. Aromas of gentian, black tea, ginseng, and palo santo smoke with a satiny, soft, off-dry light-to-medium body and a warming, interesting, medium-length herbal tincture, homeopathic remedy, and licorice finish. A slightly bitter and boldly intriguing Liqueur made with a sensuous bouquet of East Asian herbs and spices.
92 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Foro Amaro Speciale Liqueur
92 points
$28.99
Foro
Amaro Speciale Liqueur
Mahogany color. Aromas and flavors of cola, licorice, orange zest, tiramisu, and chamomile with a round, crisp, fruity medium body and a smooth, easy finish conveying suggestions of chocolate-covered figs, alpine herbs, and orris root finish. A rich and round amaro that’s exceptionally well balanced.
92 points $28.99
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Date Tasted:
Braulio Amaro Alpino Liqueur
91 points
$24
Best Buy
Braulio
Amaro Alpino Liqueur
Bronze color. Citrusy aromas of spruce tips, lemon verbena, and basil with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long sweet marzipan, juniper, spiced tea, and peppermint finish. An herbaceous and cooling Bitter Liqueur that brings a distinctive pine tone to your cocktail repertoire.
91 points $24 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Granada-Vallet Bitter Pomegranate Liqueur
90 points
$24.99
Granada-Vallet
Bitter Pomegranate Liqueur
Crimson red color. Aromas of gentian, vanilla, strawberry, bitter orange peel, allspice, and cinnamon with a satiny, bittersweet medium body and a smooth, snappy peppercorns, wormwood, newsprint, moldy tree stump, and dusty cabinets finish. A bright and boldly bitter liqueur to open up the palate.
90 points $24.99
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Date Tasted:
Cynar Ricetta Originale Bitter Liqueur
89 points
$26
Cynar
Ricetta Originale Bitter Liqueur
Bright mahogany color. Aromas and flavors of lemon zest, ginseng, red tea, tarragon, and carob cake with a round, vibrant, moderately sweet medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish. A solid Bitter Liqueur that brings a dark and mysterious tone to cocktails.
89 points $26
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Date Tasted:
Amaro Angeleno Liqueur
86 points
$34
Amaro Angeleno
Liqueur
Dark gold color. Herbal, savory aromas of gentian, roasted agave, melon, toasted sesame, caramelized pineapple, and soy glazed green beans with a satiny, vibrant, bittersweet light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length lemon pith and wormwood finish. A distinctively savory liqueur with a bitter backbone for cocktail play.
86 points $34
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Date Tasted:
Geijer Glögg California Fernet Liqueur
85 points
$34
Geijer Glögg
California Fernet Liqueur
Mahogany color. Spicy aromas of cinnamon, mace, black tea, cardamom, and cologne with a velvety, bright, bittersweet medium-to-full body and a smooth, subtle, medium-long cola, bitter herbs, hint of menthol, and licorice finish. A bold and spicy bitter that will play well in a wide variety of cocktails or as a digestivo after dinner.
85 points $34
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Date Tasted: