Introduction:
Luxardo Amaro Abano is a classic Italian amaro produced by Luxardo, one of Italy’s oldest and most respected distilleries. Named after the spa town of Abano Terme, near Luxardo’s headquarters in the Veneto region, Amaro Abano is crafted from a blend of bitter botanicals including cardamom, cinnamon, and condurango bark. This amaro is known for its intense herbal bitterness and warming spice, making it both a beloved digestif and a versatile ingredient for cocktails.
Appearance:
Dark brown with deep amber highlights, reflecting the rich blend of herbs and spices.
Palate:
The palate opens with intense, earthy bitterness from condurango bark, quickly complemented by the warm spice of cinnamon and clove. Mid-palate, cardamom and a hint of licorice emerge, adding a slightly sweet, aromatic layer to balance the bitterness. Subtle notes of orange peel bring a touch of citrus zest, brightening the profile and rounding out the deeper herbal elements. The bitterness is bold and lingers, yet remains well-balanced with the other spices.
Body:
Medium to full-bodied with a slightly viscous, smooth texture that coats the palate, allowing the complex flavors to develop fully.
Finish:
The finish is long, dry, and distinctly bitter, with lingering notes of spices and earthy botanicals. The warming spices remain on the palate, leaving a refreshing, clean aftertaste with hints of licorice and clove.
Complexity:
Highly complex, showcasing a strong interplay between intense bitterness, warm spice, and subtle sweetness. Each sip reveals new herbal nuances, reflecting Luxardo’s expertise in blending botanicals.
Overall Impressions:
Luxardo Amaro Abano is a bold, bittersweet amaro with a powerful herbal and spiced profile. Its robust bitterness makes it an ideal digestif when served neat or on the rocks, and it also lends depth to cocktails that benefit from a strong amaro base, such as a Black Manhattan or Negroni variation. This amaro is perfect for those who appreciate a traditional, intensely herbal amaro with a memorable finish and warming complexity.