Kuemmerling. It’s good to note that while traditionally Italian-made amaro has been the largest and most well known contributor to this category of bittersweet and herbal spirits, there are many other popular and delicious amaro from other countries across the world. Today we look at Kuemmerling, a German semi-bitter digestif.

Kuemmerling is most often found in these tiny 20ml (2/3oz) bottles, similar to Underberg bottles. Its flavor is bittersweet with notes of caramel, licorice, and fall spices (cinnamon, clove, allspice). Unlike Underberg, which is SUPER intense and not sweet at all, I find Kuemmerling more similar to your traditional Italian amaro in terms of general sweet/bitterness balance.

In the US market, I’ve found that Kuemmerling is actually not super uncommon – just check the minis section of your liquor store. It’s worth a pick up, and a small bottle shouldn’t run you more than a buck or so. Perfect!