Review: Meletti 1870 Bitter Aperitivo
That 
bright red color and an Italian name can only mean one thing: Campari, right?
Wrong! Introducing Meletti 1870, a bit of a Campari lookalike that’s designed to be used in Negronis and Americanos and other strong/bittersweet cocktails.
Of course, you can sip it straight as an aperitivo, too, and in this fashion you will find this concoction of sweet and bitter orange plus infused herbs and spices (including gentian, coriander, cinnamon, and clove) quite a little delight. The nose is syrupy and brisk with orange notes along with maraschino cherry character. Lots of baking spice emerges on the palate, with a mild bitterness to add balance.
It may look a lot like Campari, but it’s quite a different spirit. Campari is punctuated by mammoth bitter notes that start on the nose and carry through to the lengthy, heavily bitter finish. In Meletti 1870, the bitterness comes across almost as an afterthought, making for a much different experience on the whole. Melitti is focused on fruit and spice. Campari lives to sear your throat and give you that unbending grimace — in a good way, though.
Either way, try it as an alternative in a cocktail to Campari — or, better yet, instead of Fernet.
50 proof.
B+ / $26 / opiciwines.com [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
Meletti 1870 Bitter Aperitivo
$26
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This stuff is very good. Tried it for the first time this week, as it is very hard to find. Beside Casoni, it is the only bitter that I like solo on the rocks