1960s Buton Amaro Felsina - 30%
The Giovanni Buton Distillery (located in Bologna, Italy) was founded in 1820. The location was selected by Jean Bouton, a French immigrant, to approximate the climate of Charente and primarily focus on brandy production using Trebbiano grapes.
Giacomo Rovinazzi and Marquis Filippo Sassoli dé Bianchiafter took over by the end of the 19th century and expanded production into liqueurs such as Crema Cacao, Amaro Felsina, Cognac Buton and Coca Buton. The 1970s were a high water mark for the company with expansion throughout Europe, the United States, Africa, and Australia. The 1980s saw declining sales, specifically in the sweet vermouth category (Rosso Antico). In 1993, the company was sold to the multinational Grand Metropolitan (what would become Diageo). In 1999, the Seragnoli family (owner of Montenegro) acquired ownership of the company.
Not much literature exists in English on the Felsina style. Like most amari, the designation seems to be a loose suggestion rather than specific guideless. Having tasted through a few expressions, some similarities have been: significant orange/citrus influence, heavy cola and oxidized notes, light mentholation, medium bitterness levels. Ramazzotti was labeled a Felsina until the last decade or so when they dropped the distinction from the label (maybe during the 2018 rebrand?).
Notes: Smells like the slow passing of decades. Not uncommon with vintage amari. Old books, dried citrus peels, flat cola, spices that have lost some of their sting and softly integrated - cummin, turmeric, cardamom. Easy to get lost in it. More deeply layered integration on the palate combining all the notes from the nose and adding in some mint/mentholation toward the back. The range is wide from low burnt caramel and orange pith to the rounded off pop of spices and mint poking high. Deliberately paced and takes its time unfolding for a long finish.
Score: 9 (Stash Two) The pour asks you to be patient - which isn't easy; it's absolutely crushable.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour