South Australian distillery Never Never Distilling Co and influential Melbourne bar Black Pearl have joined forces to create a world first – a roasted juniper amaro.
Black Juniper Amaro has taken over a year of research and liquid development to create and uses roasted juniper berries which develop a dark, earthy profile when gently toasted.
Never Never Brand Director Sean Baxter said the distillery had worked hand in hand with the Black Pearl team to create this twist on an alpine amaro style.
“It’s been a pleasure working with the Black Pearl team. From the outset their innate understanding of balance has enabled us to create a complex and unique amaro offering.
“We wanted to make something versatile yet delicious. We all collectively love the alpine amaro style, it’s a style that offers so much in terms of creative direction and ingredient selection.
“The roasted juniper character that forms the heart of the amaro is such a unique flavour direction, it adds incredible depth and complexity to the final product.
“It was such an incredible discovery when Tim first gave us a sample of the roasted juniper component, it reminded me of the rich earthiness of fresh roasted coffee.”
The amaro combines three different juniper components: roasted juniper, spent basket juniper from the Never Never gin production run, and fresh juniper, all steeped in neutral spirit and then hand-pressed using a hydro press to extract maximum flavour.
“Each ingredient has been selected not only for flavour, but for their digestif properties,” said Head Distiller Tim Boast. “It makes it perfectly suited to the after-dinner occasion, mixed with cola or in a cocktail.”
Tash Conte, owner of the Black Pearl said she loved watching the product come together as the two team worked together. “When you get to work with old friends that you love and believe in, it’s something that doesn’t happen too often,” Conte says. “But when it does, and it tastes this bloody good, Sean, George and Tim are truly inspiring.”
The Black Juniper Amaro is the fifth Dark Series to be released by the Never Never Distilling Co and is their first amaro product.
Baxter will be hosting a trade session at Bartolo in Sydney on Monday, 14 October at 2pm, anyone interested should RSVP by email to info@neverneverdistilling.com.au.
