Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/39104
No beginner himself, Eddie Diaz of Roberta’s is in the throes of creat- ing his special Amaro Montenegro-based Beginner’s Luck cocktail. Italy produces liqueurs—limoncello, sambuca, amaretto—as well as grappa and other brandies. But the country is probably best known for amaro, a unique class of spirits. Amaro means “bitter” in Italian, and these special spirits offer a blend of bitter botanicals combined with degrees of sweetness. They were originally created, like many other spirits, for medicinal purposes, particularly as an aid to digestion, but they have become popular as libations in their own right, whether sipped as after-dinner digéstifs or, increasingly, as ingredients in cocktails. At the forefront of this nuanced and varied category stands the flavorful and history-rich Amaro Montenegro. Created in 1885 in Bologna by Italian manufacturer Stanislao Cobianchi, the herbal liqueur’s name pays hom- age to the second queen of Italy, Princess Helen of Montenegro, and celebrates the day of her marriage to Italian sovereign Victor Emmanuel III. 70 / the tasting panel / august 2011 From its outset, the threads of Amaro Montenegro have been woven deeply into the vibrant tapestry of Italy’s history. Since the birth of the brand 126 years ago, Amaro Montenegro has grown into not only the most respected, but also the top-selling brand of amaro in Italy. With its combination of a classic recipe, impeccable packaging and distinctive flavor and personality, it’s easy to see why. The ultra-secretive recipe has not changed since 1885 and still blends more than 40 different macerated and distilled fruits, berries, herbs, roots and spices. Once these botanicals are steeped in alcohol, the concoction ages in bottle, allowing the unique flavors to fully blend and develop. What sets Amaro Montenegro apart from most other amaros and after-din- ner digestifs is its fine-tuned balance between sweet and bitter. With a lush nose of spice and orange peel, Amaro Montenegro immediately establishes its complexity and depth. This digestive presents a smooth and creamy texture with sweet, aromatic and elegantly bitter herbs. Pronounced flavors of orange and caramel are also distinct on the palate. Showing impressive finesse, Amaro Montenegro features a lovely, unrivaled balance of restrained sweet- ness and zest. Although usually enjoyed as an after-dinner digestif—either neat or on the rocks—the liqueur can also be used as a flavorful component in sophisticated cocktails. Try pairing it with ginger ale or passion fruit liqueur and blood oranges for a complex and tasty libation. With a taste as rich as its history, Amaro Montenegro celebrates Italian culture and has earned its place of distinction and veneration in the fast- paced world of spirits. Amaro Montenegro is imported by Vias Imports.