I’m putting the horse before the cart here- tasting a cocktail whose ingredients I am not fully versed in. I bought the Campari to make this drink but my day got away from me and it’s 5 o’clock- time for an aperitif. I’ll do a taste test of that bottle at a later date. For now I am trying, for the first time, a Negroni.
Tasting it without ice or any orange peel as I want to get the essence of the blend without outside influence. It is a stunning shade of rustic orange. I can smell it a mile away btw. On the nose it is orange driven. I get orange peel, candied orange, orange zest and then some hints of baking spices, black cherry and a saline note. The palate is bitter yet sweet. Quite delicious actually. Orange components with a licorice tinge, baking spices, medium acidity and a full body make this an elixir to savor. It coats the palate with candied sour orange that leaves a film of sweetness. The alcohol content is barely noticeable which is surprising considering the Gin rolls in at 41%, the Vermouth at 16% and the Campari at 24% which averages out at 27% ABV. Throw some ice at this and a bit of orange peel- yummy. Glad I expanded my palate this Friday afternoon. Salut….