Joe Campanale, Master Sommelier, Co-Owner, Anfora, dell’anima and L’Artusi, West Village, New York, Italian, Liquor Recommendations, Hidden Gems, Liquor Cabinet, Which Liquor To Try, New Liquors, Undervalued Liquors, Worth Trying, What to drink, Cocktails, Drinks
5 “Hidden” Gems On The Liquor Shelf
We wanted to know what drinks are flying under the radar and should be getting more attention.
So we asked sommelier and restaurateur Joe Campanale (co-owner of New York's Anfora, dell'anima and L'Artusi) to share his picks for 5 “hidden” gems on the liquor shelf.
July 7, 2011
Amaro
This bittersweet Italian after-dinner drink is made by combining bitter herbs and spices with fruit peels and other aromatics. Amaros (Amari in Italian) are incredibly complex, never go bad and rarely cost more then $25, a much more approachable way to finish a meal than a Cognac or Scotch.
Try: Amaro Cio Ciaro for around $17.
Buy: From these retailers.
More: Amaro Recommendations
Tawny Port
This long-oak aged Port is often much less expensive than vintage dated Port. It requires less aging, doesn't need to be decanted, is softer and more nuanced and the preferred drink of most Port producers. Since it already has a level of oxidation, it is also more stable and stays delicious after it is open.
Try: Quinta do Infantado 10 Year Tawny Port for around $33.
Buy: From these retailers.
Mezcal
Mezcal is Tequila's smokey little brother. Although Mezcals are becoming more popular and many examples are coming out, I still think that few spirits offer such a distinct flavor of terroir with smoke, vegetal and herbaceous flavors. Mezcals are generally more distinctive than most Tequilas, made in smaller batches and more flavorful.
Try: Sombra Mezcal for around $35.
Buy: From these retailers.
More: Sombra’s Richard Betts On Mezcal + Mezcal Cocktail Recipe
Aperol
Aperol is an Italian aperitif (aperitivo in Italy) that is reminiscent of Campari, but is softer, sweeter and with lower alcohol. Full of citrus and rhubarb flavors, it is lightly bitter and makes an easy and delicious Aperol spritz when you add soda or sparkling wine (sometimes both). Because of the approachable flavors and light bitterness, it is also great for mixing in cocktails and it pairs well with grapefruit and tequila!
Try: Aperol for around $16.
Buy: From these retailers.
Vermouth
Vermouth is a wine-based aperitif. It’s used in a variety of cocktails and comes in red and white versions. Until recently the choices available for Vermouths were slim at best. Now there is a decently wide range of flavorful Vermouth available, mostly from France and Italy. Vermouth makes a great component in a cocktail, where it can add sweetness (if it’s red), acidity and subtle spice flavors. Good Vermouth can also be sipped on its own with ice and, if you like, an orange wedge.
Try: Dolin White Vermouth for around $10 for 375ml or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino for around $19 for 750ml.
Buy: Dolin from these retailers and Cocchi from these retailers.
By Joe Campanale, Sommelier / Co-Owner of Anfora, dell’anima and L’Artusi
