Tuaca Liquore Italiano

Bill Dowd photo

The name may sound a bit Latin American, but this liqueur is an ancient Italian concoction its makers say was created in the 16th Century, during the Renaissance, for Lorenzo de' Medici, patron of Michelangelo and Boticelli. It first was exported to the United States in the 1950s.

• Tuaca Liquore Italiano

This liqueur is a pleasant experience from the first sniff, rich with fragrant notes of vanilla, caramel and orange.

The brandy-based sweet liquid has a slightly thick consistency that coats the palate with hints of apricot, golden raisin and clover honey, and a lengthy, warm finish that makes it an excellent after-dinner treat. I also tried it in a highball with Jetset Energy Ginger Ale, a concoction I found rather refreshing.

Suggested retail price: $21 for the 750ml bottle.

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