Amaro Nonino Quintessentia

A sophisticated Italian amaro that masterfully balances bitter herbs, citrus brightness, and velvety sweetness. Amaro Nonino Quintessentia is elegant and refined—aromatic and layered, with a rich herbal core that makes it both a contemplative digestif and a versatile cocktail ingredient.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Hailing from Friuli-Venezia Giulia in northeastern Italy, Amaro Nonino is crafted by the historic Nonino Distillery, a family-run producer renowned for elevating traditional Italian spirits with meticulous technique and premium ingredients. Quintessentia is a signature amaro made from a blend of aged grape distillates and carefully selected botanicals.

The base spirit begins with grappa aged in oak casks, which contributes depth, warmth, and textural richness. Selected herbs, roots, flowers, and citrus peels are then macerated and blended in precise proportions to create a complex botanical profile. Slow integration and gentle marrying of these elements yields a spirit that is layered but balanced—luscious without being heavy, and contemplative without being austere.

Critics Reviews & Scores

Amaro Nonino Quintessentia is frequently highlighted by spirits writers and bartenders for its refined herbal balance and aromatic complexity. Commentators note its silky mouthfeel, rich botanical interplay, and approachable bitterness, and many regard it as one of the benchmark contemporary Italian amaros on the market.

While consensus rating systems for amari vary, many critics situate Amaro Nonino Quintessentia in the mid-to-high 90s (90–96 points) in niche spirits reviews, often emphasizing:

• Herbal integration and length — noted for its harmony of bitter and sweet across a long, nuanced finish.

• Versatility and structure — praised for performing beautifully both neat and in craft cocktails.

• Craftsmanship — recognized for its artisanal approach and premium raw materials, which elevate it above mass-market bitters.

These evaluations underscore the amaro’s depth and balance compared to other complex herbal liqueurs.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Aromatic and layered, with warm orange peel, bitter gentian root, floral chamomile, and a hint of eucalyptus. Subtle notes of honey, caramelized citrus, and oak spice gently emerge behind the herbal core.

Palate:
Silky and full-bodied, opening with bitter herb and citrus zest before yielding to sweeter notes of dried apricot, candied orange, licorice root, and hints of caramel. Herbal elements — gentian, rhubarb, and gentler bitter roots — interplay with warm spice and soft oak undertones.

Finish:
Long, balanced, and contemplative, with lingering citrus bitterness, herbal depth, and a touch of sweetness that gently eases into an elegant, herb-driven close.

Quick Overview

"Tawny and bright in the glass, this mellow, bittersweet beauty offers caramel and vanilla, braced by allspice and bitter orange. Although Nonino is best known for its grappas, this amaro, flavored with herbs from the mountains of Friuli, is worth seeking out. Consider it for dessert pairings or an edgy spin on a negroni." Wine Enthusiast 96 Points