Vermouth has a nasty reputation. People think they hate the stuff, but really, they just never have had the opportunity to enjoy a good vermouth. For too long, vermouth was abused. Opened, forgotten, oxidized and then poured into a Martini or Manhattan in a sparse amount. Just ruins the whole drink. If only there were something better. Something that showed the elegance, beauty, and poise of well crafted vermouth. Something like Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth.
Great vermouth is smooth, complex, and aromatic. The balance of herbs, spices, and wine come together to create a concoction that’s more than any one of it’s parts. One a hot day, great vermouth on an ice cube can be refreshing in the summer heat – as the bottle suggests. Great vermouth is versatile. If you keep it fresh.
To keep your vermouth fresh – keep it sealed in the fridge. To extend the shelf life somewhat longer, consider a vacuum cork system* for storage. Sealed and in the fridge it will last up to a month.
Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth
Sight: A deep brown sugar with touches of lighter caramel and hints of honey around the edge.
Smell: The nose leads off sweet, and then moves into a complex herbal and sugared spice direction. Touches of prune, fresh picked garigue, and caramelized, roasted, fermented sugars all waft out. Vinous notes are heady, rich, and overlap through the different layers. The light oxidation helps add a subtle nuttiness.
Sip: A beautiful bright pop erupts, giving way to a beautiful mix of red plums, prunes, and currants mixed with nuts, caramel, and spices. Touches of herbs run throughout and compliment other raisins and syrupy preserved fruits.
Savor: The ending adds the mildest hint of bitterness that runs throughout. The ending brings forward cooked plums, almond, and hints of clove. The complexity continues to build throughout.
Without a doubt, Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth is the gold standard for cocktails. The subtle sweetness and complexity that spans the duration of the flavor profile compliments well to bourbon and other spirits. On it’s own – it’s a beautifully spiced fortified wine, perfectly setup for sipping. The flavors are intense, and well developed.
In Cocktails
Carpano Antica is a delightful fortified wine that plays particularly well with just about everything. The subtle spices and sweetness elevate those of the other liquors, while rounding off the edge with a delicate acidity. This really helps Carpano Antica to play a unique role in crafting drinks. Not only can it add flavor, but it can do so by stretching complimentary elements without distorting the end product. It’s for this reason I particularly like it when mixing stirred, boozy drinks. Especially with amari.
Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth Overall
Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth is a hands down recommendation for any home bar. The one caveat is a recommendation to buy the small bottle unless you find yourself going through it quickly. With Carpano Antica, I have found the fresher it is, the better. That said, any guest should be more than satisfied to utilize this vermouth for any of their drinks, and why it owns a spot on our recommended bottles list.