Amaro Nonino Quintessentia. This is an Italian amaro (traditional bittersweet liqueur) that is quite popular in modern craft cocktail culture, perhaps most notably in its use in the Paper Plane. The base spirit of this liqueur is a unique variant of grappa, a spirit made from pomace (the leftover remains of pressed grapes used for wine-making). The Nonino family is most notably known for their expert craft in grappa-making and their creation of this variant, called ÙE, which uses whole grapes instead of just the skins/stems.

Now, this amaro is a bit on the pricier side (about $40-50 around here), but it’s definitely something I think most people will enjoy tremendously. At 35% ABV, it’s on the the boozier side for amaro, but also one of the most approachable amaro on the market in flavor. Aged for 5+ years in oak, Nonino Quintessentia is full of the flavors of orange zest accompanied by many herbs from its native region of Friuli in the eastern-most part of Italy, bordering Slovenia. Additionally, it’s one of the lightest amaro in body, less syrup-y and intense than most other amaro readily on the market. It you’re new to amaro, or perhaps only tried ones like Campari or Aperol and found those too intense in flavor, Amaro Nonino may be just what you’re looking for.

Have you tried Amaro Nonino, and what do you like making with it?