Amaro Nonino

Nonino Distillatori, a historic family enterprise in Friuli, Italy, has pioneered innovation in Italian distillation since 1897, most notably with the creation of their ÙE Grape Distillate. Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, introduced in 1992, embodies this legacy. Unlike most amari which use a neutral grain spirit base, Quintessentia is crafted by infusing botanicals directly into Nonino’s own aged ÙE distillate. This choice profoundly shapes the spirit’s structural integrity and depth. The botanicals—sourced both from the Friulian mountains and globally—are macerated and then aged in barriques alongside the grape distillate. This meticulous process yields a digestivo distinguished by its refined texture and intricate herbaceous framework. It offers a balanced, bittersweet profile without the aggressive bitterness found in heavier amari. If you have a lingering thread of doubt about whether you may or may not like amaro, this will turn you. This stuff is a delicious digestivo that's full of orange rind, vanilla bean, subtle brown spice, with a lightly bitter herbal backbone. If amaro would ever be described as chuggable, it would be this beauty. Also, don't chug this. Bad idea.