From Sparrow’s amaro and vermouth list, this Rabarbaro Rhubarb Amaro is a distinctive Italian bitter built around rhubarb root, $11 by the pour, or $16.50 for a larger pour, here in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood.
About Rabarbaro Rhubarb Amaro
Rabarbaro is the Italian word for rhubarb, and it names a whole family of amari whose signature flavor comes from dried rhubarb root rather than the garden stalk. As the menu describes, this one is grappa-based, using a combination of rhubarb roots and aromatic herbs to build a balanced yet unique bittersweet flavor. Grappa, the Italian grape-pomace spirit, gives the amaro a warm backbone, while the rhubarb root contributes the earthy, faintly smoky character that rabarbaro is known for. Rhubarb amari have a devoted following among amaro lovers precisely for that one-of-a-kind flavor.
Tasting Notes
Expect an earthy, gently smoky bitterness from the rhubarb root, wrapped in warm herbal and spice notes and a measured sweetness. The grappa base lends a little extra warmth and depth, making for a balanced, intriguing sipper rather than a sharply bitter one. It rewards slow sipping at the end of a meal.
What to Pair It With
Rabarbaro is a classic digestivo. Sip it neat or over a large cube after dinner, on its own or alongside an espresso. It is a fine way to close out a meal from the Sparrow menu, especially after the American Wagyu steaks or the Sparrow-Smoked Rack. Linger over one in our 21+ lounge with its quartzite bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rabarbaro Rhubarb Amaro?
It is an Italian amaro whose defining flavor comes from dried rhubarb root and aromatic herbs. This one is grappa-based, which gives it a warm, balanced, bittersweet character.
How much is a pour of Rabarbaro Rhubarb Amaro at Sparrow in Kirkland?
Rabarbaro Rhubarb Amaro is $11 by the pour, or $16.50 for a larger pour, at Sparrow in Kirkland.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near the Amaro Montenegro and the Meletti. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and finish your meal with one.