I read the comments before making a version of this and I used what I had on hand. My drink consisted of Asbach Uralt 3 Year Old(because I saw some were using grappa), Yellow Chartreuse(because I don't have Strega), and Cynar 70(because I like higher abv). My version is sweet on the front and mid, while the bitterness comes in slowly at the end and lingers on the palate. It reminds me of a Boulevardier, but with more herbal notes. I have a Chilean Pisco, on hand and I'll revisit it.

surprisingly syrupy mouthfeel and minty taste

I had this to celebrate the release of Should I Stay or Should I Go on September 17 1982 (due to it being my funeral song of choice, and also there is a song Death is a Star on the Combat Rock album). I enjoyed it as written. The star anise really gives it a lot of punch, and I also think it would be interesting with mezcal, or possibly cachaça instead of pisco. Minor point - with three ounces of spirits, I think a 10.5 oz glass might be a bit big!

I feel this could do with extra pisco (or grappa) to bring the sweetness down a notch and give the spirit more of a chance to be felt among the liqueurs.

Can’t help wondering what it would taste like with mezcal, either.

Following Nick Hopewell-Smith's suggestion made again with grappa. Very flavorful. I do not keep star anise in the house, so we improvised with a light misting of Absinthe. Wonderful.

This is a grown-up drink. Very Bitter-Italian. As both liqueur ingredients are Italian, I tried again with a powerful (non floral!) grappa. It was improved.

I'm noticing subtle minty (Strega) and citrus notes (grapefruit bitters) playfully orbiting the gravitas of the Cynar (70, very rich). Made this time with Barsol Torontel (great floral notes!), Cynar 70 and Fee Brothers grapefruit bitters. And Liquor Strega... I didn't have any star anise so I added a few drops pimento dram. Five Dark Stars!

Used Amaro Calamari instead of Cynar. Great powerful cocktail.

Does anyone know who invited this cocktail? Really want to know the story behind the cocktail!

Did an A/B test: A = to spec, B = altered proportions in line with my favored ones for Negroni i.e : 1.5oz pisco, .75oz Strega .5 oz Cynar. My impressions:
A: Cynar overwhelmingly dominated. Strega got lost.
B: Much better balance.

Quite tasty! I didn't have any Strega, so I used half and half Galliano and Yellow Chartreuse. This combo really brought out the artichoke flavors in the Cynar, in a good way.

Was very good as an aperitif; although, just a tad too sweet for me. I will put this on my night cap list as I think it would be perfect for an evening relaxing cocktail

I only have the Macchu Pisco on hand.. very complex and the star anise really helps bond things together..

First time I made this I used BarSol Quebranta which added an unwanted peanut flavor. Can't get the Mosto Verde Italia locally so this time I used Miguel Torres El Gobernador Moscatel, like the Italia, an aromatic variety with fruitier floral flavors. Pot distilled. Great cocktail.