Bordiga St. Hubertus Amaro Riserva Amaro 700ml
DescriptionEnter the pantheon of Italy's most prestigious digestifs with Bordiga's St. Hubertus Amaro Riserva, a limited expression that represents the apex of alpine liqueur craftsmanship. Named for the patron saint of hunters, this reserve bottling captures the essence of wilderness in liquid form, utilizing botanicals foraged from the most remote corners of the Maritime Alps. It's a contemplative amaro that rewards patience and attention with extraordinary complexity.
The exclusivity of St. Hubertus stems from both its ingredients and extensive aging process. The base recipe builds upon Bordiga's amaro tradition but incorporates ultra-rare botanicals like alpine genepi, wild mountain tobacco, and herbs gathered above the tree line where few plants survive. These precious ingredients macerate for extended periods before the liqueur enters a solera-style aging system, spending years in a combination of chestnut and oak casks. This patient maturation allows harsh edges to soften while developing layers of flavor impossible to achieve in younger spirits. Production is necessarily limited, making each bottle a collector's piece.
Tasting St. Hubertus Riserva is akin to exploring an ancient forest through seasons of change. The initial impression brings waves of complex bitterness—gentian, wormwood, and cinchona—tempered by the mellowing effects of wood aging. As it opens, notes of dried herbs, leather, tobacco leaf, and dark honey emerge, along with hints of pine resin and mountain flowers. The texture is remarkably smooth, almost cognac-like, coating the palate with flavors that shift from earthy and vegetal to subtly sweet and spiced. The finish seems endless, with echoes of bitter chocolate, espresso, and mysterious herbs that linger for minutes. This is an amaro best savored neat at room temperature, allowing its full complexity to unfold slowly. Each sip reveals new facets, making it a meditative experience worthy of special occasions.
