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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

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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Fratelli Vergnano Cioco Artichoke Liqueur
94 points
$31.95
Fratelli Vergnano
Cioco Artichoke Liqueur
Mahogany color. Exotic aromas of juicy tangerine, saffron, orris root, ginger, cola, stewed plums,cinnamon, and lemon balm with a velvety, vibrant, bittersweet medium body and a warming, involved, medium-long milk chocolate covered nuts, espresso, and chicory finish. A floral-spiked bitter liqueur that will fit in a wide variety of cocktails; expert balance makes this a nice choice to sip neat after dinner.
Awards: 2018 Best Bitter Liqueur
94 points $31.95
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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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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:
Amaro Black Note Amaro Liqueur
89 points
$32.95
Amaro Black Note
Amaro Liqueur
Mahogany color. Herbal, spicy aromas of cardamom, bitter orange, chicory coffee, prune, fennel fronds, and root beer with a syrupy, sweet medium body and a warming, delightful, medium-length dark chocolate, orris root, sweet rose syrup, aloe vera, and peppermint finish. A smooth and satisfying amaro with balancing floral notes and cocktail-friendly complexity.
89 points $32.95
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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:
Founding Spirits Arroyos "Never Bitter"Amaro Liqueur
86 points
$42
Founding Spirits
Arroyo's "Never Bitter"Amaro Liqueur
Hazy mahogany color. Aromas and flavors of soft black licorice, chocolate sauce, proofing dough, cinnamon and ginger powder on raisins, and cola syrup with a round, crisp, bittersweet medium body and a peppery, interesting, medium-length finish with impressions of oregano finish. A funky amaro to pair with a chocolate croissant.
86 points $42
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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:
Tuve Bitter Liqueur
85 points
$33.95
Tuve
Bitter Liqueur
Brilliant red color. Peppery, citrusy aromas of orange and grapefruit peels, rhubarb, cassia bark, nutmeg, and candied ginger with a round, crisp, bittersweet medium body and a tingling, delightful, medium-length charred cocoa bean, strawberry preserve, gentian, menthol, and grains of paradise finish. A solid bitter liqueur for Negronis and Spritzes.
85 points $33.95
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Date Tasted:
Tuve Fernet Liqueur
84 points
$36.95
Tuve
Fernet Liqueur
Mahogany color. Aromas of menthol and cacao nibs with a silky, vibrant, sweet medium body and a warming, medium-length chocolate milk shake, espresso beans, dandelion root, ginseng, and Andes mints finish. A chocolatey mentholated liqueur to slip into creamy coffee cocktails.
84 points $36.95
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Date Tasted: