AMARO AFICIONADO
Grappa-Based Herbal Amaro

Amaro Ulrich

Grappa at the base, alpine herbs on top — an amaro from a distiller's distiller.

Piedmont, Northern ItalyAmaro UlrichDistillery founded 1977
Producer
Distilleria Santa Teresa dei Fratelli Marolo
Where it's made
Alba · Piedmont, Northern Italy
Founded
Distillery founded 1977
Strength
35% ABV
Aging
Herb infusion in grappa, rested before bottling
Typical price
$38–$50 / 700ml
Style
Grappa-Based Herbal Amaro
Flavor profile
Herbal and dry with a grappa backbone

Ingredients

Built on Marolo's own grappa rather than neutral spirit, infused with alpine and Langhe herbs — a formula that keeps the grape distillate audible under the bitterness.

  • Grappa base
  • Gentian root
  • Wormwood
  • Mint
  • Chamomile
  • Bitter orange peel
  • Liquorice

History of the Brand

Paolo Marolo founded his distillery in Alba in 1977 and became one of Italy's most respected grappa producers, working with the Barolo and Barbaresco vineyards on his doorstep.

Amaro Ulrich came out of the house's habit of steeping herbs in its own distillate, a practice common in Piedmontese cellars long before it was bottled commercially.

Using grappa as the base is unusual: most amari are built on neutral alcohol, which erases the raw material entirely.

The bottle is a favourite among drinkers who already know Marolo's grappa and want the same character in a bitter register.

Tasting Characteristics

Nose

Grape spirit, dried mint, chamomile, faint orange.

Palate

Warm grappa, then wormwood and gentian, mint and liquorice through the middle.

Finish

Long, warming, dry and herbal.

Flavor meter

Bitter
7/10
Sweet
4/10
Herbal
8/10
Citrus
3/10
Spice
5/10
Body
7/10

How to serve it

  • 01Neat at room temperature after a Piedmontese meal.
  • 02With a single cube and a lemon twist.
  • 03Stirred with vermouth for a grappa-based Manhattan variation.
  • 04Splashed into espresso.
  • 05In a Hanky Panky where you want more grape character.

Where to Get It

Available where Marolo grappa is sold; imported into the US and UK in modest quantities.

Specialty bottle shops

Look in the grappa section rather than the amaro shelf, $38–$50.

Online spirits retailers

Search 'Marolo Amaro Ulrich'.

Piedmont

Sold in Alba and across the Langhe.

Affiliate buying links coming soon.

Amaro Ulrich FAQ

What is Amaro Ulrich?

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A Piedmontese amaro from Distilleria Marolo in Alba, made by infusing alpine and Langhe herbs into the house's own grappa, bottled at around 35% ABV.

Why does it taste different from other amari?

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Most amari use neutral spirit. Ulrich uses grappa, so the grape distillate stays audible under the herbs.

How should I drink it?

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Neat after dinner, or stirred into whiskey- and vermouth-based cocktails where a grappa note adds interest.

Is it sweet?

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No. It is dry and herb-forward, with sugar kept low.