Amontillado is a type of sherry that is fuller bodied and more rich than Fino, but still made in the reductive style. Amontillado starts out as Fino sherry, but is aged for a longer period of time so that it begins to oxidize and turn slightly brown. Amontillado sherry is typically pale in color, and while it retails some of the salty aromas of Fino, an additional layer of nuts and beeswax appear.
A subtype of sherry called "Medium" is made from Amontillado that is sweetened.
The famous Edgar Allen Poe story "The Cask of Amontillado" references the sherry. It is classically paired with soups, such as beef consomee, or turtle soup. It can also pair well with chicken or rabbit dishes.
Some popular cocktails containing Amontillado Sherry
- 69 Holland — Genever, Gin, Meletti Amaro, Amontillado Sherry, Peach bitters, Grapefruit peel
- Honky and the Donkey — Mezcal, Amontillado Sherry, Aromatized wine, Bénédictine, Orange bitters
- Teenage Riot — Rye, Cynar, Amontillado Sherry, Dry vermouth, Orange bitters
- Robert Frost — Port, Amontillado Sherry, Bourbon, Bitters
- Contour Line — Sweet vermouth, Blended Scotch, Amontillado Sherry, Bitters, Lemon peel