Poli Marconi Vaca Mora Amaro Veneto (700ml)

One of the finest Amaros to hit the market in recent years, Poli's Vaca Mora is a tribute to the region's original steam train - the Vaca Mora, or Black Cow - which started to make regular trips to Schiavon in the late 1800s. Stopping in front of GioBatta Poli's tavern, the 'Osteria Al Cappello', waiting passengers could tipple at a glass of wine or local bitters prepared from an infusion of herbs, fruit peels and roots. Poli's distillery took over the tavern premises in 1898, completing the association. The contemporary sienna-brown elixir is based on plants, herbs and flowers with digestive properties, however, unlike most Amaros, it tastes properly bitter with minimal sugar intruding on the freshness. Garden herbs, especially mint leaves feature, the sweet, silky entry giving way to earthy root-like notes, then more mint and herbal character before bitter peel, gentian and cinchona grip the palate. Simple soda works beautifully, making for a fabulous refresher. As for cocktails, we'd expect a little should go a long way. While there's considerable diversity in this category, from the citrus accents of Armacardo or the sweetness of Averna, this expression is closer to Alpine Amaros like Braulio. It should satisfy those looking for a digestif with pitch-perfect bittersweet balance and maximum freshness. 32% Alc./Vol.

Notes from the producers... a wooden box full of officinal herbs and mint leaves...balmy like a herbal shop.