Amaro Lucano
"What more could you want from life?"
Lucano's tagline in conjunction with the label's bucolic imagery suggest a carefree vibe in step with nature. The brand is still family owned and has been produced at the current facility in Pisticci (southern Italy) since 1965. By the 1970s, the family had expanded production to include other liqueurs.
The only noticeable difference I could dig up between the standard offering the Anniversario is the elevated ABV for the special edition.
Amaro Lucano - 28%
Notes: Nose is super bright with pine, sage, and cola. Very fresh and outdoorsy. Soft bitterness and cola on entry than a big pop of cardamom and eucalyptus. The finish dips low and wormwood-y with a long, bitter finish.
Score: 6 (Solid) The wormwood's low and intense bitterness is disjointed with the ethanol from the base spirit and causes the finish to read a touch cheap and boozy. The nose is unbelievably good.
***
Amaro Lucano Annivesario -34%
Notes: More focused on rooty bitter notes and burnt sugars. Not as bright and crisp as the standard. Additional savory spices - lavender, oregano. The palate is sweeter and more integrated. Cola and cardamom are bigger. Wormwood is less bitter and better supported with the additional weight on the palate from the ABV.
Score: 6 (Solid) Structure is less interesting than the standard, but there is improvement to the integration of notes. A richer but more reserved expression.
I prefer a 50:50 blend of these over each of them individually.
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