Montenegro Amaro, Italy (23%, 70cl)

33-year-old Stanislao Cobianchi bucked his parents' wishes and embarked on an educational journey through the Balkans, where he discovered a melting pot of cultures and flavors. Armed with knowledge in botany and herbs, Stanislao returned to Bologna and opened a distillery, introducing his first creation - the spicy Amaro Montenegro - in honor of Italy's second queen, Princess Helene of Montenegro. Over 130 years later, this legendary bitter, with its complex and alluring flavor, remains a staple in cocktails worldwide. Its top-secret recipe, including over 40 hand-picked herbs and spices, such as vanilla and orange peel, is distilled using clear water from the Gran Sasso mountains. And although only a select few know the final secret ingredient, one thing is certain: "If flavor were a story, ours would be epic."