Meletti Limoncello

Made with fresh lemon peels from the costal groves of Sorrento by a storied Italian liqueur-making family. 30% ABV. Tasted neat, slightly chilled. Hazy and pale yellow in the glass, with strong coating legs. Light floral lemon and vanilla nose. Rich and coating in the mouth. Lemon flavor is clear but not sour, balanced by the sugar. This isn't syrupy or saccrine or raw sugar like some limoncellos (more honey-syrup-like), but also not bracing, lacking the bitter hint of pith or peel oils. Soft, silky, honey-feeling, with just the hint of a peel oil bite in the long finish. Honestly, a really well-balanced liqueur (the third bear parallel... "Just right!") I tasted this next to Luxardo's limoncello, which is both more clear yellow and with a bit less sweetness and more lemon oil flavor. Luxardo remains my favorite... but I can't seem to find it these days. This may have moved into my #2 slot ahead of Pallini and La Tramonto.