Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
Distillery: Nonino Distillatori
70 proof
Amaro Nonino Quintessentia is a renowned Italian digestif produced by the Nonino family distillery since 1933. It is crafted by distilling a unique blend of 35 herbs, fruits, and spices, including rare botanicals like bitter orange peels, rhubarb, and genepi, in a base of Nonino grappa. The infusion process emphasizes balance between sweet and bitter notes, resulting in a velvety, aromatic liqueur. Unlike traditional bourbons, it is not grain-based or barrel-aged for whiskey characteristics but focuses on herbal complexity. Bottled at 35% ABV, it embodies Italian amaro tradition, perfect as an after-dinner sip or in cocktails. The Quintessentia expression highlights the essence of the Alps' botanicals, with a history tied to the Nonino's innovation in grappa production.
Tasting notes
Aroma: Aromatic herbs, sweet spices, citrus peels, floral notes
Palate: Balanced sweet-bitter profile, genepi, rhubarb, cinnamon, velvety texture
Finish: Long, herbal, slightly bitter, warming
Reviews
Nice but won't wow you. Tough sell at $50 when cheaper aperitivos exist. Worth it if you want something different for cocktails, otherwise skip.
Well-made, accessible, interesting as a sipper or with soda. Orange/grape notes, not hugely exciting or wowing. Sweetness 7/10, bitterness 5/10. Pricey for what it is.
Review rating: 6 / 10
nice bottle but tough sell due to price
On AmitG's Instadram shelf (@amit).
