Any idea about the difference between “Fernet Branca” and “Fernet Branca Imp. Liquer” that merits the special-order status and a 58-percent higher price for the former? (See following link.)

http://www.lcb.state.pa.us/webapp/Product_Management/psi_ProductListPage_Inter.asp?searchPhrase=Fernet&selTyp=&selTypS=0&selTypW=0&selTypA=0&Cost1=&searchCode=&psiSB=brnd&psiSD=ASC&submit=SEARCH

The latter shows up in a number of Allegheny Co. “Premium Collection Stores”:

http://www.lcb.state.pa.us/webapp/Product_Management/psi_ProductInventory_Inter.asp?cdeNo=009189

Similarly, Montenegro shows up at the Perry Shops Premium Collection Store:

http://www.lcb.state.pa.us/webapp/Product_Management/psi_ProductInventory_Inter.asp?cdeNo=011523

–Tom

Glad you liked the articles (and the Amari!)

The only saving grace of the PALCB is that you can search for bottles online. As of the last time I checked, the Cranberry store had a bunch of bottles of Amaro Montenegro. Which reminds me, I need to get over there and buy one.

Fernet Branca shows up from time to time as well. Right now, there are no bottles in Allegheny County. Stupid LCB.

-Peter

Second, after your introduction I felt compelled to perform a little tasting for myself. I purchased Averna and Cynar yesterday and sampled both after dinner.

My initial impression of Averna was sweetness and a syrupy mouthfeel (not unlike what one might associate with some cough syrups) from which caramel and bitter orange peel emerged, floating above unidentifiable herbal, medicinal notes. Maybe licorice was in there somewhere. Fascinating.

Cynar also hit me first with sweetness but was more immediately showing an odd citrus essence (bitter marmalade?) and also strong flavors I could not place. Then, slowly, a deep bitterness rolled onto the back of my tongue, found its strength, and abided mightily.

Later, inspired by suggestions on the bottle, I tried Cynar with some water and ice. It was strangely good. I suspect that the bitterness of Cynar will be at home in seltzer water, and so that will be my next testing ground.

All in all, I am quite pleased with the micro-tasting. Both amari introduced me to bizarre new flavors that I hope to more fully appreciate with repeated tastings. And, having tried Averna after a large meal, it does appear to have a settling effect on the stomach.

(I really wanted to try Amaro Montenegro and Fernet Branca, but neither are readily available, courtesy of PA’s delightful LCB.)

Thanks again for introducing me to amari!

To understand, you have to understand my first experience with amari. I was at Peter’s house, I’d been eating some aged provolone and drinking red wine, and I walked into the kitchen and someone handed me a glass of Cynar and told me to try it.

I…