649542 Wed Sep 02 12:31:08 -0700 2009 3 4 Pacific Northwest 0 4999652 Looking for a place where I can sample a few different Amaros before I invest in a bottle. Any suggestions, for either a venue or an Amaro brand, are appreciated. Thanks. Wed Sep 02 12:31:08 -0700 2009 19098 equinoise 1 4999948 In Washington, unless you smuggle some in from out of state, you are limited to what’s available at the Washington State liquor stores. You can access what amaro (and other liquors) they have at http://liq.wa.gov/services/brandsearch.asp. Presently, the available amaro includes Amaro Nonino, Amaro Santa Maria Genova, Averna Amaro, and Ramazzotti Amaro. Amaro Montenegro is on the WSLCB list, but presently out of stock. There are many other amaros that aren’t available in Washington State. My personal preference is Ramazzotti. As to where best to sample the different amaros, I’d suggest the Zig Zag Cafe, under the mentorship of Murray Stenson, widely acknowledged to be Seattle’s best and most knowledgeable bartender. Wed Sep 02 13:54:00 -0700 2009 4999652 58257 Tom Armitage 2 5006745 I agree with Tom about the Ramazzotti Amaro. I haven't tried the Santa Maria, but of the others he listed, it's my clear favorite. Sat Sep 05 00:29:22 -0700 2009 4999948 10904 Booklegger451 1 5017777 you can sample Ramazotti at Troiani iirc, Nonino at Barolo, or at the bar next to Lark, Santa Maria and Averna at Spinasse (at least this was true the last time I was at those places). I would put Santa Maria at the bottom of this list. Ramazotti is on the bitter side compared to the others imo, while Averna is more "cola" flavored. Nonino is probably my favorite for sipping straight. PS while you're at Zig Zag, ask for some "true" Amer Picon (which I view as the "Holy Grail" of amaros) to compare with the "house" Picon, which is largely Ramazotti (as per Jamie Boudreau's recipe). you can also get true Amer Picon at Spur and possibly Vessel. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/601688 has more discussion of Ramazotti, Amer Picon, and possible substitutes Wed Sep 09 17:25:21 -0700 2009 4999652 13161 barleywino