Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto

Appearance: Transparent with a slightly yellowish hue. Aroma: Eau-de-Cologne and lemon oil. Flavour and Texture: Floral and sweet. There is a citrus oil character on the arrival followed immediately by white sugar, then a floral perfume-like taste that is what you would imagine eau-de-Cologne might taste like if it was sweetened. An interesting modern take on Italian rosolio, which is traditionally a liqueur with water, sugar and alcohol in the same proportions, and often based on floral and/or fruit extracts. On nosing this you cannot escape the instant identification of eau-de-Cologne which is entirely understandable given that eau-de-Cologne contains a mix of citrus and herb oils, particularly bergamot. There is a famous German brand called “4711” which my grandmother used to wear and this smells EXACTLY the same. The flavor is also floral and fruity, with grapefruit and sherbet lemon being obvious, plus the lemony/orange essence of bergamot orange oil. The texture is syrupy and sweet, but it’s a liqueur so you expect that. I thought it was on the cusp of being too sweet to enjoy as a digestif when taken neat (even chilled) but it shines as a mixer. The Italicus site recommends several cocktails and we tried them all with equally favourable results. Their Margarita-like cocktail is very good (but make it teeth-shatteringly cold) and it is also excellent as a spritz with prosecco or cava. However my favourite use is as a gin substitute with tonic water and lots of ice, in which form it is almost sinfully delicious and easy to quaff. “Very Good” : 85/100 (4 stars)

Definitely more oily than syrupy. This is not just another Cointreau. It’s sweeter than I would have thought, but there is a bitterness like orange peel or grapefruit peel that comes with it. Tried it neat, and that is not how I enjoy it, but works great in Martinis, negronis, and spritzes.

Nose of citrus, flowers, Sprite, bergamot, ginger, spearmint, lemon peel, something peppery. Sugary sweet , lemon, Sprite, ginger, vanilla, spearmint. Perhaps too sweet, but quite complex.

Thanks @Looneyhead for cracking this bottle. Tried neat. On the nares its very herbal amd sweet with notes of spearmint and like the turn down service at our favorite resort in mexico. On the palate its exceptionally sweet but tasty and minty.