Petrus Boonekamp

750ml/45% ABV

Overview

Petrus Boonekamp is a historic and intense Italian amaro, originally created in the Netherlands in 1777 by Petrus Boonekamp. It is considered one of the most bitter digestifs in the world, crafted with a high concentration of herbal and botanical extracts. Unlike many other amari, it contains no added sugar, making it a truly dry and bold bitter liqueur. Traditionally consumed as a digestive aid, it is appreciated by connoisseurs for its intense herbal complexity and long, lingering finish.

Production and Ingredients

• Botanical Blend: Features a selection of over 30 herbs, roots, and spices, including gentian, quinine, and myrrh.
• No Added Sugar: Unlike most amari, it is completely unsweetened, emphasizing its intensely bitter profile.
• Alcohol Content: Typically bottled at 45% ABV, giving it a strong and warming character.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep amber-brown with a slightly viscous texture.
• Aroma: Intense herbal notes, with hints of medicinal roots, dried citrus peel, and earthy spices.
• Taste: Extremely bitter and dry, with dominant flavors of gentian root, wormwood, and other aromatic herbs. A subtle citrus and spice complexity rounds out the profile.
• Finish: Long, lingering bitterness with a warming, slightly resinous aftertaste.

Serving Recommendations

• Temperature: Best served chilled or at room temperature.
• Serving Style:
  • Neat: Traditionally sipped in small quantities as a post-meal digestif.
  • Cocktails: Can be used as a bold, bitter component in cocktails, similar to Fernet.
  • With Water: Some drinkers dilute it slightly with water to soften the intensity.

Food Pairing

Pairs well with rich, fatty foods such as aged cheeses, charcuterie, and dark chocolate. It also complements espresso and nut-based desserts.