GRASPAMARO
28% alcohol by volume; 0,7 liter

Graspamaro is the ideal union of grappa and herbs. The DE NEGRI distillery wished to create a new product that would marry its already famous grappa to the aromas of exotic and alpine herbs, such as agaric, aloe, angelica root, swertia chyrayta, jatrorrhiza columba, juniper, gentian, cinchona-bark and quassia. The result is this unique blend, the product of a meticulous search for the finest ingredients.

OCTOBER 2005 SPIRITS

Distilleria De Negri Graspamaro ****1/2 $36.95 Veneto, Italy. Bitters rarely appear as a digestif in Toronto, but this spectacular blend of prosecco grappa and 12 herbs and spices will totally rewire your senses at meal's end (which won't mean you can drive home; it's 28 per cent alcohol). The nose blasts juniper, mint, coffee bean, tea, tangerine. Enters sweet, displays great flavour piquancy, then exits bitter. Outstanding length. From La Cantina Imports, 416-271-9625. By David LAWRASON Rating is on a five-star system that stresses quality for price; * basic; ** acceptable; ***good; **** very good; ***** exceptional

IL LIQUORE MIRTILLO (BLUEBERRY LIQUEUR)
grappa-based | 30% alcohol by volume; 0,7 liter

The healthy properties of blueberry join forces with Grappa, a typical Italian product known for its purity and warmth. The result: an unmistakable spirit, full of history and authenticity. The appropriate alcoholic grade (only 30%) makes it suitable for any and all occasions. Serve chilled.

IL LIMONCELLO (LEMON LIQUEUR)
30% alcohol by volume; 0,7 liter

From the lemon comes Limoncello, the spirit of magic Mediterranean lands, born from ancient tradition and recipes. An excellent after-dinner drink, served chilled.

LA FRAGOLINA (WILD STRAWBERRY LIQUEUR)
25% alcohol by volume; 0,7 liter

Its main ingredient is the richly scented, delicious wild strawberry. This spirits reminds us of Eighteenth-century rosolios, sipped in cosy sitting-rooms, where Italy's unification was being made.

LA PRUGNA (PLUM LIQUEUR)
grappa-based | 40% alcohol by volume; 1 liter

This spirit's exclusive formula was developed in the Thirties by the company's founder himself, and has remained unchanged to this day: only natural ingredients (some of which are still a secret!!) The "Prugna De Negri" owes its success to its unmistakable plum flavour, thanks to a juice content of over 15% and the grappa.

BARANCIO LIQUEUR of GRAPPA and SHRUB PINE
40% alcohol by volume; 0,7 liter

A Grappa based liqueur falvored with cones of the shrub pine ( Pinus Mugo ) from the Val Sarentina area in the highlands of Bolzano, Sweetened for balance.

CUMINO LIQUEUR of GRAPPA and CUMIN
40% alcohol by volume; 0,7 liter

Cumin is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native from the east Mediterranean to East India. Its seeds, in ground form, are used in the cuisines of many different cultures.

GRAPPA and ACACIA HONEY liqueur
40% alcohol by volume; 0,5 liter

Liqueur made of grappa with 25% italian acacia honey without sugar or additives. Honey from Gardin Beekeepers of Vicenza. Light amber in color, extremely fine end intense in aroma, and with a slight scent of acacia flowers which results in an elegant, floral, and balanced flavor.

MIERIZIA liqueur
25% alcohol by volume; 0,5 liter

Liqueur made from the precious licorice "Amarelli" ( minimum 9% dry extract ) from the Calabria region, sweetened with Acacia Honey from the Gardin Beekeepers ( Vicenza ) www.apegardin.it. Excellent, especially when served iced.