Amaro Meletti

I have always been surprised at how few amaro reviews there are on this website, so I decided to do a tasting of five of the more popular one's (Averna, Cynar, Meletti, Nardini & Ramazzotti) that I have a feeling most people can get their hands on. I will probably try to do another round of these tastings in the future, but anyway onto the review starting with my least favorite. Amaro Meletti finished as my least favorite of the five I tried. I'm not saying it's awful, far from it, it's just not that great neat. It is the cheapest though of the five I tried, so there is definitely value in there, especially if you plan to use it in cocktails. The nose is probably it's biggest downfall, as I get cough syrup and maybe some faint mint. The first sip has a touch of bitterness, but it's definitely sweet, with chocolate and cinnamon. There is a decent burn on the way down which wouldn't be that big of a deal, but when the others that are in the 64 proof range don't have anything near the burn, it's a bit disappointing. The finish also has some toffee and spice, but the burn sort of gets in the way. Amaro Meletti may be my least favorite of the five, but it has its uses, especially in cocktails. It may not have the best start or finish, but the taste is pretty decent, if not a touch sweet. I wouldn't rush out to get this, but if you were offered it as an aperitif or as an after dinner drink, you could do worse. It's actually pretty similar to the next one on the list and I gave it the same score, it's just this one is more for the value, while the other is a touch better neat.

Appearance: Translucent amber. Aroma: Gentle, sweet, mildly floral/herbal with a soft orange blossom presence. It’s like a medicinal version of Cointreau. Flavour and Texture: Warm, sweet, citrus and spices (cloves, saffron, cinnamon, cocoa, vanilla pod). The texture is full, slightly syrupy but not cloying. Towards the finish a mild gentian bitterness comes through and the herbal presence is more prominent. The aftertaste is lingering and well balanced. The nose is less medicinal than many amari. The palate, also, is gentle and soft with no strong or challenging flavours. The foundation is sweet and syrupy but never becomes sickly. It is similar to Lucano, but the balance is towards sweet floral rather than herbal notes and it is less bitter. This is a very easy amaro to enjoy, and arguably the perfect introduction to this class of drinks for a beginner. The profile is similar to that of a liqueur and less “robust” than some amari, and the mouth-feel is satisfying and rich. If you enjoy liqueurs such as Drambuie, Grand Marnier or Benedictine this is like a soft, slightly floral and less alcoholic younger cousin to those drinks. Most enjoyable, this is a good amaro, but not at the top of the totem pole. The official rating here of 83 is fair. “Good” : 83/100 (3.5 stars)

This was a nice and sweet amaro and strong. A nice herbal smell (then the alcohol hits your nose). Has a slightly medicine like taste near the end, but the mix of herbal flavors and botanicals with the sweetness helps hide it and that’s what powers through. Some alcohol burn (it is 37%). Slightly thick which gives it a slight syrup like consistency.

Warm and silky on the lips Pallate cardamom? Others say saffron, anise, lavender Very sweet on the lips, just a little bitter on the finish Almost syrupy in mouthfeel Root beery?

Sweet, somewhat syrupy, with floral notes and a mildly bitter finish

the cognac of amaro—barely bitter