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Contratto Bitter

Contratto Bitter

Historic bitter from Piedmont, created by the Contratto family.

Photograph · Contratto Bitter

The story

What you're tasting

Historic bitter from Piedmont, created by the Contratto family. Campari-like but more refined, with herbs and spices. Essential in Italian cocktails, representing Piedmont's distilling heritage. Contratto Bitter embodies the refined approach to bitter aperitivi, with its sophisticated herbal-spice profile and historical connection to Piedmont's distilling traditions.

Contratto Bitter was created by the Contratto family, renowned distillers from Piedmont who have been producing spirits since the 19th century. The Contratto family developed the bitter as a refined alternative to other aperitivi, combining herbs and spices in a sophisticated blend. The bitter was designed to work excellently in cocktails, particularly in variations of the Negroni and other Italian cocktails. The brand maintained a focus on quality and refinement, with Contratto Bitter being appreciated by bartenders and enthusiasts for its sophisticated character. The Contratto family's distilling heritage and commitment to quality established the bitter as a respected product in the Italian spirits market. Today, Contratto Bitter is recognized as a historic, refined bitter that represents Piedmont's distilling excellence, with its sophisticated profile appealing to those who appreciate quality and craftsmanship in Italian aperitivi.

Contratto Bitter bottle with Piedmontese setting

Know it

Before you buy

Say it
kohn-TRAHT-toh BEE-tehr
Tasting
Campari-like but more refined, with notes of herbs and spices. The profile is sophisticated, with herbal and spice complexity. The bitterness is present but refined, balanced with sweetness and aromatic complexity. The finish is smooth and lingering, with herbal and spice notes. The character is more refined than Campari, with greater complexity and sophistication.
How to buy
Look for Contratto Bitter in specialty spirits shops, particularly those focusing on Italian products. Verify it is produced by the Contratto family in Piedmont. Check for 22% ABV. Contratto may be less widely available than Campari but should be found in specialty shops. The refined character should be apparent.
Spot the fakes
Verify producer authenticity. Check for proper labeling indicating production by the Contratto family in Piedmont. Beware of imitations.
Keep it
Unopened: Best consumed within 3-5 years. After opening: 2-3 years.

The making

How it's made

Contratto Bitter production follows the Contratto family recipe, which combines herbs and spices in a sophisticated blend. The exact recipe remains secret, but the process emphasizes the extraction of herbal and spice complexity. The botanicals are macerated in a neutral spirit base for varying periods, allowing the alcohol to extract flavors and aromas. After maceration, the liquid is filtered and sweetened, creating the characteristic refined bitter profile. The final product is bottled at 22% ABV, making it slightly stronger than some aperitivi but still suitable for pre-dinner consumption. The production process emphasizes refinement and sophistication, creating a bitter that is similar to Campari but with a more refined, complex character. The result is a sophisticated aperitivo with a herbal-spice profile that works excellently in cocktails, representing Piedmont's distilling heritage and the Contratto family's commitment to quality.

Contratto Bitter represents the refined approach to Italian aperitivi, embodying Piedmont's distilling heritage and the Contratto family's commitment to quality. It is enjoyed by bartenders and enthusiasts who appreciate sophisticated, refined aperitivi that work excellently in cocktails. Contratto's refined character and historical connection to Piedmont's distilling traditions make it appealing to those who seek quality and craftsmanship in Italian aperitivi. The bitter is often featured in bars and restaurants that emphasize sophisticated Italian cocktails, where it serves as both a drink and a symbol of Piedmont's distilling excellence.

Bottles of amari and Chianti on a bar shelf