In a previous post, Mixology Trends 2013, we mentioned that Sweet Vermouth was becoming very popular, and we couldn’t wait for an opportunity to delve deeper into the subject and post some of our own Sweet Vermouth Reviews.
But Don’t All Sweet Vermouths Taste the Same?
Tasting Notes:
1.Carpano Antica Formula
Benedetti Carpano has been credited with creating the category of alcohol known as sweet vermouth. Antica formula is the oldest vermouth in our lineup, dating back to 1786. By far my favorite sweet vermouth to work with behind the bar, and I assure you it’s only pure coincidence that it is also produced by Fernet Branca, one of my favorite spirits on the planet. Antica Formula focuses on :
- Rich, dense mouth feel
- Vanilla
- Cola
- Toffee
- Sweet Pipe Tobacco
2. Cocchi Di Torrino
Cocchi has been producing amazing products since 1891, and continue to impress me with every product I try from them. Now for the tasting notes:
- Molasses
- Small amount of acidity, but definitely more focused on the sweet element
- Earthy
- Cola
- Leather
- Cedar
- Cigar Tobacco
3. Martini & Rossi Rosso
Recently celebrating their 150th anniversary, this producer has been making great products since 1863. Martini and Rossi may have been known as a value focused vermouth, but there is a reason they have been around for so long. Try using this vermouth in your next Negroni.
- Much different from the previous brands that we have tried
- Decent amount of acidity on the palate that balances the sweetness: Balanced
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sweet herbal notes
4. Vya Sweet Vermouth
One of the newest producers in the market, Vya brought vermouth back to the attention of the average consumer. They have earned numerous awards and have become the become the standard vermouth behind many cocktail bars, and rightly so. As our only American Sweet Vermouth in this tasting, it makes it’s presence known. I would imagine this product was engineered to go with Bourbon and Rye right from the beginning.
- This Sweet Vermouth is all about the spices
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cardammom
- Dense on the palate, but not as weighty as Antica Formula
- Bitter
5. Vermouth Perucchi Gran Reserva
Our Spanish entry in to the category. Founded in 1876, this vermouth has a lot of complexity.
- Cinnamon
- Allspice
- Raisin
- Tobacco
- Fennel
- Orange peel
- Hints of Curry- crazy, but I get it every time I try it.
6. Byrrh Quinquina
Technically not a sweet vermouth, but a quinquina, this product can be substituted in for sweet vermouth when a sweeter, richer texture is desired.
- Dark Chocolate
- Coffee
- Cocoa Powder
- Dried Fruit- think Raisinets
- Bitter Orange
Other Resources & Reading:
If you are interested in learning more about Vermouth, I would recommend starting at Vermouth101.com. They provide some great information for even the most seasoned bartender. If you would like to know more about its history and ingredients that are used in making Vermouth, take a look Jared Brown & Anistatia Miller’s The Mixellany Guide to Vermouth & Other Apéritifs. (Affiliate link) as well.
Did I miss one of your favorite Sweet Vermouth’s? Let us know!
Great tip on using Cocchi Aperitivo Americano as a substitute for the retro Lillet Blanc formulation. Makes a difference in the overall taste of your cocktail.
How about Punt e Mes?
I absolutely love Punt e Mes and must have consumed my entire stock before this round up 🙂 The added bitterness that Punt e Mes brings as compared to Carpano Antica is a thing of beauty.
For forty years, I’ve been devoted to “Lionella” (formerly called “Stock “) Sweet Vermouth. Can be difficult to find, but worth the effort.
I haven’t tried that one! I will definitely have to keep an eye out – thanks for the recommendation.