A rather impressive Italian bitter aperitif from the esteemed Martini range, inspired by an 1872 recipe and designed to complement the company's vermouth within a Negroni. Ingredients include saffron, angostura, columba, Italian artemisia and more (including cochineal to give it the traditional ruby hue). This will undoubtly be excellent for putting together a Negroni, as well as a number of other classic cocktails...
This is, in all honesty, very similar to Campari, but in my opinion has a little more depth, with some dark fruit and herbal flavours not present in the more familiar bitter. It reminds me a little of Mondino, but with the full gentian punch of Campari. It's a little more expensive, and a little higher abv, but if you're a big negroni drinker or otherwise a fan of this kind of bitter aperitivo, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. Unfortunately, many of us associate Martini with vermouth that's been sitting open in a speedrack for too long, but their top shelf offerings are very good, and good value, and this is a perfect example.
Tried this instead of Campari in a Boulevardia cocktail ( a Negroni but with whisky instead of Gin) and really liked it. Good flavour, more mellow than Campari and not quite as bitter.
Bought this for an "upgraded" Negroni (Martini Riserva Speciale Ambrato & Bombay Sapphire) and the taste was so good. However, on a hot day needing an afternoon cooler, I tried this in a long glass on the rocks topped with tonic. So smooth and so many flavours coming through.
