Learn More

Groups
Categories
Countries

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

Luxardo Bitter Liqueur
96 points
$25
Luxardo
Bitter Liqueur
Bright red color. Herbal, citrusy aromas and flavors of gentian, wormwood, dried citrus, and toasted almond with a round, crisp, bittersweet medium-to-full body and a smooth, elegant, long finish with shades of orange blossom, rhubarb, black licorice, alpine herbs, and cherry pits finish. A complex bitter with a healthy dose of anise.
Awards: 2017 Best Bitter Liqueur
96 points $25
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Montenegro Amaro Italiano
95 points
$33
Montenegro
Amaro Italiano
Pale golden amber color. Aromas of bitter orange, honeysuckle, quinine, and sandalwood with a round, crisp, sweet medium body and a sleek, refreshing, long orange blossom, cinchona bark, vanilla, and rooibos tea finish. A luscious amaro that will add intrigue to any cocktail.
95 points $33
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Amaro dell’Etna Ricetta Originale
95 points
$39.99
Amaro dell’Etna
Ricetta Originale
Clear mahogany color. Herbal aromas of espresso crema, cola, dark roasted nuts, eucalyptus, and licorice with a fat body and a very complex, long lilac, molasses, caramelized vegetables, iced tea, and raisin finish. A superbly balanced bitter to serve in craft cocktails or neat.
95 points $39.99
» Read Full Review
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
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
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
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Luxardo Amaro Abano
94 points
Luxardo
Amaro Abano
Mahogany color. Spicy, minty aromas of cardamom, allspice, black tea, wintergreen, and coriander with a round, bright, bittersweet medium-full body and a peppery, layered, medium-length dark chocolate, espresso crema, roasted collard greens, black licorice, chincona, black pepper, and orange peel finish. A nice and sturdy herbal liqueur that offers a satisfying transition from herbal nose to spicy, pleasantly bitter palate; a welcome addition to cocktails or as a digestivo.
94 points
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Luxardo Bitter Bianco Liqueur
93 points
Luxardo
Bitter Bianco Liqueur
Brilliant slivery straw color. Citrusy aromas of celery, key lime, and gentian with a round, crisp, bittersweet medium-to-full body and a tingling, complex, medium-long dried mint, thyme, and oregano finish. A tasty and versatile bitter with balanced fragrant herbs.
93 points
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Luigi Francoli Fernet
93 points
$28
Luigi Francoli
Fernet
Dark mahogany color. Herbal aromas of intense eucalyptus, black licorice, and vanilla with a round, vibrant, bittersweet medium body and a seamless, complex, very long cola, wormwood, and black pepper finish. A boldly bitter eucalyptus-driven liqueur that will conquer digestion like a pro.
93 points $28
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Toadstool Notom Amaro No. 1
93 points
$28.99
Toadstool
Notom Amaro No. 1
Bright golden amber color. Herbal, citrusy aromas of flamed orange peel, cinnamon spice tisane, black licorice, and stout with a round, vibrant, bittersweet medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, medium-long hot cinnamon candies, wormwood, clove, lemon drop candies, and buckwheat honey finish. A spicy, herbal liqueur with intense yet balanced bitter notes.
93 points $28.99
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Zucca Rabarbaro Amaro
93 points
$30
Zucca Rabarbaro
Amaro
Mahogany color. Smoky, spicy aromas of hickory smoked red pepper, cardamom, charred artichoke, black licorice, gentian, and black pepper with a round, bright, bittersweet medium-to-full body and a delightful, medium-length bitter herbs, molasses, cola, salted chocolate, chicory, espresso, and dried apricot finish. An intriguing smoky liqueur that will offer many options for cocktail play.
93 points $30
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted: