Vermouth, Non Vintage Sweet Wine
Amaro - Pistone (1970's Bottling)
Bottle size: 100cl
ABV: 17%
Price:
£129.00
Description
The *Amaro* from Pistone, here in a 1970s bottling, is a fascinating piece of Italian spirits history, offering a glimpse into the flavour profile and production style of mid-20th-century herbal liqueurs. Amaro, meaning “bitter” in Italian, is traditionally made by infusing a neutral or wine-based spirit with a blend of roots, herbs, spices, citrus peels, and other botanicals, often with regional variations in recipe. Pistone’s expression from this era would have been crafted for both medicinal and aperitivo/digestivo purposes, delivering a balanced bittersweet profile with layered aromatics.
In the glass, it would likely present a deep amber-brown hue with warm mahogany glints, reflecting its herbal richness and decades of gentle bottle ageing. The nose would be aromatic and complex, with dried orange peel, caramel, and herbal bitters up front, followed by notes of liquorice, gentian, clove, and a hint of balsamic. Age may have softened the more aggressive bitter tones, adding oxidative notes such as antique wood, dried figs, and cocoa.
On the palate, a 1970s Pistone *Amaro* would be smooth and rounded, with the sweetness of caramelised sugar and candied citrus balanced by herbal bitterness from wormwood, gentian, and other botanicals. Secondary flavours of cinnamon, coffee, and dark chocolate could emerge, along with subtle medicinal and resinous undertones from its herbal blend. The finish would be long, warm, and bittersweet, lingering with spice and herbal complexity.
Best enjoyed neat at cellar temperature or slightly chilled, this vintage *Amaro* is as much a collectible conversation piece as it is a drink. It could also be served over ice with an orange twist for a softer aperitivo, though many enthusiasts would savour it on its own to appreciate its aged character. The 1970s Pistone *Amaro* is not just a herbal liqueur—it’s a liquid time capsule, preserving the flavour and craftsmanship of Italy’s post-war drinking culture.
Condition
Good conditions
