Digestifs (Amaro in particular)

[flinflon28]

I recently had dinner at A Voce in NYC and had my first taste of Amaro. The server basically dared me to try it and though it was the most bitter thing I've ever had I loved it.

I called the restaurant today and they informed me that the type I had was probably Borschi Amaro and that it is unavailable for purchase in the U.S.

If that is the case can anyone recommend a store in NYC that would carry comparable brands? And IF you have the name of comparable brands that would be ideal.

Thanks!

[plattetude]

Well, I'm not sure if this is the best place in NYC for amari, but LeNell's in Red Hook lists quite a few on their website, including Boschi.

And if they don't wow you with their amari, they'll wow you with plenty of other potables...

Christopher

[daisy17]

I love amari. I don't think I've had the Borschi but my faves lately are Nardini, Averna and Montenegro. Whenever I'm at a restaurant that has a good selection I try some new ones.

I've found them to be really hard to locate at retail though. Astor Wines has Averna and Montenegro. You inspired me to look again for the Nardini, which I just found out they have at Smith & Vine in Brooklyn. They have the Borschi too, in stock at the store, with a bunch of other good ones.

[TVC]

The first place that comes to mind is LeNell's in Red Hook. <http://www.lenells.com/>

You can call to see what amari they currently have in stock. They also do special orders. Ian is especially helpful. He's there most days.

[flinflon28]

Thank you all so much for your helpful suggestions. I'll follow up and report back!

Edited:

Spoke with someone at LeNells and they have one bottle of Borschi priced at $18.

I'll swing by there to pick it up later this week.

Thanks again!

Edited February 12, 2008 by flinflon28 (log)

[TongoRad]

The easiest ones for me to find are Averna and Ramazzotti, and I'm usually pretty happy trading off between the two. I go through quite a bit, actually, and have found that in the past year or so Averna is becoming much more available than any other brand (at least in the places where I normally find myself).