Cynar Bitter

Cynar is an Italian herbal liqueur built on the essence of artichoke, the plant Cynara scolymus that gives it both its name and its distinctive bitterness, macerated in alcohol with a number of secret botanicals. The result is a full bodied, bittersweet aperitif bottled at a gentle 16.5%, lower in strength than many bitters yet firmly herbal in character.

The nose is complex and herbal with a subtle sweetness and hints of artichoke, citrus and spice, the palate tart and balanced with intense herbal flavour, a pleasant bitterness and a sweetness held in the background, closing long and refreshing. Behind the bar its job is backbone: it adds bitter herbal depth that cuts sweetness, balances a drink and lengthens it. It is a natural in a Negroni or an Americano, makes a lighter Cynar Spritz with soda and a slice of orange, and works neat over ice as an aperitif or digestif. A versatile bitter herbal modifier for the back bar.