Silvio Carta, Cartamaro, Amaro, Italy (34%, 70cl)

Silvio Carta Cartamaro is a traditional bitter liqueur produced by the family owned Silvio Carta distillery in Zeddiani, located in the notable Sardinia region of Italy. This expression is crafted to showcase the dense, aromatic profile of the island's native wilderness, offering a classic bitter character that functions equally well as an aperitif or a post dinner digestif.

The production relies on a meticulous maceration of wild botanicals harvested directly from the Sardinian Mediterranean scrub (macchia mediterranea). The backbone of the recipe features a distinct infusion of artichoke leaves (carciofo) blended with local aromatic herbs including helichrysum (elicriso), thyme (timo), santolina, hypericum, and artemisia. The herbal blend is combined with a refreshing element of wild juniper before being brought to a robust 34% ABV and housed in a 70cl bottle.

The profile is intense, deeply botanical, and structurally complex, showing a deep amber color in the glass. The nose is unapologetically rustic and expressive, opening with dense vegetal notes, medicinal mountain herbs, and a clear, fragrant lift of balsamic helichrysum and woodsy thyme. On the palate, the liquid is full bodied and enveloping, coating the mouth with the sharp, clean bitterness of artichoke leaf and artemisia, which is quickly balanced by the crisp, cooling properties of juniper and a subtle, dark sweetness. The finish is exceptionally long and bracingly bitter, leaving a persistent, clean trail of balsamic oils and savory kitchen herbs.