Applewood Okar Island Bitter Amaro 750ml

Tasting Notes

We're very excited to announce the initial release of this new beverage - we've christened Økar - a phonetic spin on the word 'Ochre' - how Australian's might pronounce it. It's an Amaro - probably a bit of an esoteric term to the uninitiated, although bitter/herbal aperitifs have been popular for more than a century - Aperol or Campari ring any bells? Whilst aperitifs in this category are generally marketed alongside images of the Amalfi coastline, roadsters with the top down, winding roads and a spritzer in-hand, we felt a more comfortable image could be 'chilling at the beach' - be it Noosa, Bondi or Cottesloe. Or perhaps 'sitting in a café' - be it in the multitude of laneways across our country. We like to take an Australian-spin on things - and dry aperitifs seem to epitomise a renaissance in contemporary Australian drinking.

It just so happens that seemingly - 90% of all native Australian botanicals are also intensely bitter. Probably something to do with the harshness of our climate - and one native ingredient stood head-and-shoulders above the rest when it came to Økar - Riberries. Otherwise known as Lilly Pilly. Historians have noted that indigenous Australians used to use these as a form of 'candy' - although contemporary palates might be surprised! The Riberry's cranberry-tartness, hints of clove and bark-like bitterness make it well-suited for an Australian aperitif.

Riberries aren't the only stars in this beverage - alongside we see Lemon Myrtle, Gentian Root, Licorice Root, Wormwood, Sweet Orange Peel, Cassia Bark and Cinchona Bark (to name a few).

Red Økar is the grown up big brother of Økar - a higher alcohol (26%) aperitif, with a more intense Riberry-hit. Best served in a Negroni - with an Australian-twist...or perhaps (for the more hardcore) - an Americano (Australiano anyone?).

Strength: 24% abv
Volume: 750ml

- Distiller Note