Amaro Averna
Often simply known as Averna, this is one of the most popular Italian bitter digestifs on the market. A secret infusion of herbs and spices comes from a recipe that’s almost 200 years old and the bittersweet liqueur is commonly enjoyed on its own. Averna is dark brown, thick, and is best described as being bittersweet. It is sweeter than many amari and you will note hints of anise, citrus, juniper berries, myrtle, rosemary, and sage in the taste. These flavors may further allude to more secret ingredients, though you can never be sure because some ingredients can mimic others.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Aromatic nasal wakening freshness and spice with cola, bitter orange, herbal bark, jasmine, quinine and cigarette ash.
Mouth: Averna has a mouth-coating and bittersweet taste, carrying hints of orange and licorice, balanced with notes of myrtle, juniper berries, rosemary and sage.
Finish: Licorice, cola and cacao with orange zest and long lingering gentian freshness.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV%): 29%
The Womb Ritual
Method:
Pour some Averna into a Womb glass along with ice cubes, fresh mint and lemon peel.
Tilt the glass, grasp it in your hand gently and rotate on the table to infuse the ingredients, bringing the unique aromas of Averna to life.
Introduce a small amount in your mouth and savor its rich, full-bodied flavors of citrus, hints of licorice and traditional spices.
BLACK MANHATTAN
Ingredients:
2 oz Rye
1 oz Averna
1 Dash Bitters
1 Dash Orange Bitters
Brandied Cherry, for Garnish
Method:
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir for 30 seconds until ice cold. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a brandied cherry.