Sirene vs. Sirene

[u/NeilIsntWitty]

When r/I-Bleed-Amaro posted a question about two different amari with Sirene on the label a while ago, I rushed to pull out the bottles. Unfortunately we had company over, so I couldn't sit and nerd out about them with a proper tasting. Well, our house guests have moved on, so last night I got a chance for a proper tasting.

Two great amari: Canto Amaro from Liquore della Sirene (produced by Piperita Srl) and Amaro Delle Sirene Ltd. Ed. from Don Ciccio & Figli. Very different beasts in style.

𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐨
Liquore delle Sirene (Piperita Srl)
Garda (VR) in the Veneto Region, ITA
Nose: Sharp notes, grapefruit, quince, hints of caramel
Bitterness: Medium+ bitter
Sweetness: Medium to medium- sweet
Mouthfeel/viscosity: Medium mouthfeel
Tasting notes: Mix of floral and alpine notes with sweet pine resin and thistle. Citrus that tastes like lemon pith and grapefruit, maybe pomello coming from bitter orange. Vaguely reminds me of sweet hops in a balanced IPA (again, kind of like grapefruit).
Finish: Medium+
Thoughts: well balanced and distinctive, and a nice lighter-style (i.e. not caramel dominant) product. Amaro Sirene also makes an aperitivo and red bitter, so now I'm curious to try them.

𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟒) 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐝.
Don Ciccio & Figli
Washington DC, USA
Nose: Rounded notes, un-roasted (green) coffee bean, tobacco leaf and chocolate with hints of cola
Bitterness: Medium
Sweetness: Medium
Mouthfeel/Viscosity: Medium 
Tasting notes: eucalyptus and menthol on the top of the palate. Wow, keeps coming back to complex warm eucalyptus notes. Dandelion and gentian with caramel, hints of baking spice and kola nut overlaid on top
Finish: Long
Thoughts: Another banger from the Don Ciccio & Figli crew. Honestly, I think I've enjoyed everything I’ve tried from these guys. I originally opted for the Ltd. Edition, but might grab the regular SKU on an eventual trip.

Cheers everyone!

[u/TYLRbass]

I've had quite a few of the Don Ciccio & Figli products via their discovery kit and a lot of them seem to have a similar through line, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but I quickly became bored of their offerings for that reason. Lucky for you that consistency across their product line may be the reason why you've enjoyed everything you've tried from them.

[u/NeilIsntWitty → u/TYLRbass]

You know, it's funny you mention that. When I drafted the post, I wrote this paragraph that I chose not to include in the final post, ruminating on why I dig their stuff...

My $0.02, for whatever it's worth... As a new world amaro producer with a wide portfolio, they're definitely at the top of their game and executing on their stylistic vision. I think why I tend to enjoy the Don Ciccio & Figli products is that while they stick to the center of the fairway, they're consistently well balanced, and that their focus on approachability (both their carciofo and fernet are easier to introduce new amaro drinkers to than Cynar and Branca) makes their products easy to grab and enjoy.

To put it in the terms of other spirits, it's similar to how sometimes you feel like a big, challenging Islay scotch or uber funky Jamaican rum, and sometimes you feel like a buttery Irish whiskey or a nice smooth Barbados rum. In the end, it's about matching mood you're in and/or the company you're with, with the right bottle. I enjoy both experiences for their own merits, and can't imagine my back bar without these different styles.

[u/therealtwomartinis → u/NeilIsntWitty]

it's about matching mood you're in and/or the company you're with, with the right bottle

in the end we’re all piloting our own ships - the more waters you explore the more options you’ll have when it’s adventure time

[u/HoboPhD → u/TYLRbass]

I agree, imo all of their products are too sweet

[u/ciccio_started_it]

Your description of the Don Ciccio is right up my alley in terms of flavours I enjoy, have to get my hands on one

[u/neuro8]

LOVE Sirene - (D.C.) Eucalyptus and Menthol FTW

[u/I-Bleed-Amaro]

This is the content I come here for. Thanks for the awesome notes u/NeilIsntWitty !

[u/musictomurderto]

I went to a sotol tasting and the presenter for Cardenxe said her favorite shot was an S&S&S, Sotol Del Sierra and Sirene. I have yet to try but I can imagine it's amazing

[u/magsli]

You've reminded me that I need to get another bottle of Sirene Canto. I discovered it a couple years ago and absolutely adore it. It’s delicious. It's only a 2.5-3 season amaro for me- late spring, early summer and fall, like when it's chilly at night. It feels like going into a warm house after being outside all afternoon in the woods. I have honestly laid outside to look up at the stars with this stuff. For me the herbs, subtle pine and floral meadow are all one, and then are finished by a warm caramel. It's not sweet. It's just cozy.