Imperial Measures Distillery Ruby Bitter Aperitif
Imperial Measures’ Ruby Bitter makes an excellent negroni or spritz, as well as being a delicious aperitif in its own right. Made with 12 botanicals, including red grapefruit, gentian, rhubarb and ginseng. It’s all bright bitter florals on the nose, underpinned by the sweetness of fruit. Sweet and floral upfront with a deep, creeping bitterness through the finish, this has all the power to stand up to full-flavoured local gins and vermouths in mixed drinks. These flavours are clearly derived from high quality, natural ingredients, and each shows great concentration and presence. It's also notable for its clean filtration, where many Aussie amari are quite cloudy. Personally, I’d opt for something lighter or slightly more nuanced to sip on, as that journey from sweet to bitter across the palate is hard and fast. But, for anyone who likes to sip on Campari, this is a well worth a go, and it makes a more aromatic, more complex negroni while maintaining the essential balance of the drink.
