Amaro Nonino Quintessentia is one of the most beloved and versatile Italian amaros on the market. Produced by the Nonino family in Friuli, better known for their high-quality grappa, this amaro blends tradition with a bit of innovation.

The base is a distillate of grape pomace (grappa), giving it more roundness and depth than many grain- or neutral-spirit-based amaros. To that, the Noninos add a secret mix of botanicals including gentian, saffron, licorice, rhubarb, and sweet and bitter orange, then age it in small oak barrels to integrate the flavors.

The result is a liqueur with a bittersweet balance—floral and citrusy up front, warming and gently bitter on the finish. The texture is smooth and rich, without being syrupy, and it clocks in at 35% ABV, making it one of the stronger amaros out there.

Whether you sip it neat, over ice with an orange slice, or mix it into cocktails (like a Paper Plane or a more expressive Negroni), Nonino delivers complexity with elegance.