Forthave Spirits Marseille Amaro

I was intrigued by this amaro...it’s locally NYC made, no sugar added, but instead wildflower honey is used. The owner used old recipes for bitters that were used to fight the plague. So, expect more bitterness, less sweetness in this. Normally I can’t stand sugar-y spirits, which automatically puts most liqueurs and rums in my no-go zone ( except an amazing Barrell rum I had once courtesy of @jonwilkinson7309 , and those rare expensive Caroni’s which one can’t purchase readily ). I’ve had maybe 3-4 amaro’s, and the only one I didn’t find overly sweet was a Vecchio (highly recommended by @cascode , which is what led me to purchase it ). This one here easily bests that Vecchio. Whereas the Vecchio was slightly sweet over bitter, this is more herbal -bitter than sweet. If you don’t like herbal or slightly bitter, this won’t be for you. The aroma hits you right away with scents of licorice, grass, and cloves. On the taste, I’m getting very little sweetness, only at entry, but it’s more Eucalyptus, mint, grass, and cinnamon. The eucalyptus is front and center. Easily my best amaro (granted I’ve only had 3-4). But for me, this now sets the standard for high quality, low cost amaro that I’ll use to gauge others that I may come across.

A deliciously bonkers amaro that tastes like a serendipitous experiment after a trip to the farmers’ market. Sassafras, figs, cucumber, cloves and celery, spritzed with mint, will stimulate the less-exercised parts of your palate, though it’s perhaps a touch too medicinal on balance. Still, full marks for originality. Thanks for the samples @pbmichiganwolverine

Cinnamon, mint, honey, flowers, syrup, stewed apples, various herbs, barks. Bitter and a little sweet. Berries.

Similiar to a fernet but sweeter, warmer, and some other botanicals. Intense but delicious

A sweeter more floral fernet. Medicine in the best way possible

Really complex, herbal, and floral. Excellent.