Note: In business since 1755, Marie Brizard has a long tradition of excellence and a commitment to use NATURAL products in making its liqueurs-unlike many of the cheaper knock off liqueurs which use synthetic ingredients and chemicals.This amaretto is made from apricot pits (which is what it should be made of, not something from a tank).

First Impression: Heavy, redolent smell of marzipan (sweet almond paste), scents of a drier sort start to come through on warming- nuts, herbs, and some floral notes.

Appearance: Pleasing light-yellow/white oak color like a young whiskey, lighter colored than many of the competitors, which is a good thing-others use too much caramel color and the result is a dumbed down taste and a thickened body. On swirling, leaves a oily even coat on the glass with some amount of legs developing.

Taste: Almond, marzipan paste, touch of apricot, whispers of cinnamon, cloves, allspice. A long pleasant clinging aftertaste, with a mild alcohol presence.

Drinks: Amazing difference from when you use a inferior amaretto.

Bottle: Signature Marie Brizard bottle- thin neck to flared shoulder to cylindrical body with slightly smaller base below beltline. Signature MB in script on top of cap.

Other: Maker of a large portfolio of other liqueurs, among them: Anisette, Apry, Banana, Cassis, Creme de Cacao (White), Creme de Cacao (Brown), Curacao, Curacao (Blue), Creme de Menthe, Creme de Menthe (Green), Grand Orange, Raspberry, Strawberry, Triple Sec, and many others that are not imported into the U.S. (much to our loss).

Final Thoughts: More expensive than a lot of the cheap syrupy versions but worth the extra money especially if you do the math (see Cocktail Math in recipes section).

Website: http://www.mariebrizard.com orhttp://www.boissetamerica.com/products/BrandDetails.aspx?BrnId=7

Quick loading webpage with attractive graphics, drinks recipes, and information.