PureLiqueur Schnapps, Cordials, Liqueurs. As long as it's tasty.

Liqueur Review: Amaretto di Amore

Amaretto di Amore - Amaretto Liqueur

Amaretto di Amore has been around a while and Amaretto itself has history going way back. You have definitely either seen it in a bar or drank it in a cocktail. A 750ml bottle of Amaretto di Amore typically goes for around $12 - $15.

Let's take a sip.

Background:

Amaretto is defined by most sources as an Almond-flavored Liqueur made from either Almond or Apricot pits. Turns out they have a similar flavor.

The origin of Amaretto is in Italy, however there are several brands produced in America and other lands around the world. Amaretto di Amore's label (from my older bottle) says it is produced by the Barton Distilling Company which appears to have been acquired by the Sazerac Company in early 2009.

Visual:

A first glance at the liquid in this bottle and you really get the idea of Almonds. It is a light golden brown with almost a hint of orange to it.

The bottle itself has sort of antique but royal feel to it. The gold cap reminds me of a crown and the bottle of a short paunch king. Scroll work on the label and the old world lettering adds to the whole look.

Nose:

Take a whiff and first you get ... Dr. Pepper? Yes that's right, the first thing I think of is "the Doctor". I swear one of the main ingredients in Dr. Pepper must be Apricot or Almond pits! If you add this stuff to any cola it will taste fairly close to Dr. Pepper. Though I digress. Additionally your nose will pickup a sweet, but faint fruit with a nutty touch. Brown sugar and caramel, hints of vanilla. Whatever you smell, you won't be able to stop thinking about Dr. Pepper.

Taste:

A heavy sweet with a bit of saltiness. It has a smooth syrupy feel with a bite reminiscent of cola. Further adding of course to the crazy Dr.Pepper obsession above. The nut flavor is almost barely oak or wood in a way, its rounded and not distinct. It still kicks around with the faint fruit you pick up in the nose.

Final:

Great as an after dinner drink. I would drink it in a wide glass with narrow mouth or even a wine glass. You really want to take in the great aroma.

If you like Dr.Pepper or cola you will enjoy Amaretto di Amore. Like most Liqueurs it is a little sweet to drink much more than single serving by itself. It is a classic mixer in many cocktails and for good reason. It goes great with everything from scotch and vodka to sodas.

I think it is great to have around, but the flavor is pretty intense and I only have it every once in a while.

Usually I will drink this Amaretto in a cocktail called a "Godfather". Scotch and Amaretto, quite delicious. I usually just add a splash of Amaretto and don't worry about the measurement.

You can also use Amaretto in a WIDE variety of recipes which is cool. I have not delved into cooking with Amaretto but you guys let me know if you discover something delicious.

Read up on Amaretto and check out a good list of recipes from the producer.