As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of exploring the world of spirits and their various categories. When it comes to the classification of Campari, I can confidently say that it is indeed an amaro.
Campari is most commonly known for its role as a key ingredient in popular cocktails such as the Negroni and the Americano. Its vibrant red color and bitter taste make it a perfect addition to these classic drinks. However, this does not diminish its status as an amaro.
Amaro, which translates to “bitter” in Italian, is a broad category of herbal liqueurs that are characterized by their bitter taste and often served as digestifs or after-dinner drinks. Campari fits this description perfectly, as it is known for its distinct bitterness and is often enjoyed after a meal.
But what about its popularity as an aperitif? While it is true that Campari is often consumed as an aperitif, this does not exclude it from being classified as an amaro. In fact, many amaros, including Campari, are versatile enough to be enjoyed both before and after a meal.
To further validate Campari's status as an amaro, I spoke with Dave Karraker, a representative from Campari. According to Karraker, “Campari is a quintessential amaro.” This statement from a Campari representative confirms that Campari is indeed considered an amaro within the spirits industry.
It is worth noting that the line between aperitifs and amaros can sometimes be blurry, as there are certain spirits that can fall into both categories. However, in the case of Campari, its bitter taste and traditional usage as a digestif solidify its place as an amaro.
Campari is unquestionably an amaro. Its bitter taste, traditional usage as a digestif, and endorsement from Campari itself all contribute to its classification as an amaro. So whether you enjoy it as an aperitif or after-dinner drink, you can confidently raise a glass of Campari knowing that you are savoring a quintessential amaro.