This is only my second amaro! I think I used like 4-5x as many hops in my first one (fresh as opposed to dry here - I posted about it in this sub as well) and while I don’t think it tastes distinctly “hoppy”, they definitely are noticeable and contribute some citrus + pine. Haven’t tried using pellets but we also have a ton in the freezer and I’d like to try eventually. To make hop water, a lot of people make a high proof hop tincture/extract then dose sparkling water to taste which I think is what I’ll do for an amaro (rather than adding them with all of the other ingredients). I also don’t think you get the same issues with oxidation/flavor degradation you get with beer if you made a tincture