Vermouth Extravaganza Tasting

Vermouth has a long and fascinating history that beautifully blurs the lines of apothecary, art and medicine. The word “vermouth” is derived from the German word for “wormwood”, which still remains one of vermouth’s primary infused botanicals. The roots dates back millenia with evidence of herb and botanical infused alcohols discovered in China around 7000BC and even remains found in ancient Greece. Throughout Asia and mainland Europe its use spread down the millennia predominantly as a medicinal and ceremonial drink. Vermouth, as a commercial product however, originated around Turin, Italy in the 18th century. It can arguably be attributed one man, Antonio Benedetto Carpano and to the creation of the king of Vermouths Carpano Anttica Formula and of course the very civilised ‘apertivo hour’. Shortly thereafter, lighter, drier styles emerged from Chambéry and Marseilles, France as well as the more broody and darker, nutty, styles that have surfaced from Spain in recent years.

The modern-day evolution has been driven by several factors worldwide. One of the defining ones is the now thriving, worldwide cocktail scene – and particularly gin-based cocktails which vermouth lends itself so perfectly to. The interest in ‘craft’ gin as a category itself is booming both here and abroad and Vermouth has followed suit. Increasingly adventurous drinkers (and producers) demanding, new tastes and falvours have also been a keen inspiration for this new found interest in Vermouth. No doubt in Australia our keen adventurous traveling spirit (pardon the pun) which has seen us work, live and play overseas bringing back with us more European sensibilities when it comes one of our favourite pastimes – drinking.

Today the choice is endless and the styles diverse. No longer is it just a foil for the maritini, Vermouth is increasingly being consumed as drink on its own. Its relatively low alcohol (when compared to spirits) lends itself beautifully as an apertivo and, depending on the style, a wonderful digestive. We have personally been watching this category grow and have been watching with eager interest each time a new vermouth comes across our desk.

This tasting is the second installment and while still featuring some brilliant local vermouth we have highlighted an exceptional range of more classic vermouth from its home in Italy. These are some of the orignal and the best and feature some household names as well as relatively new kids on the block. We are also particularly excited about a very cool range of Spanish vermouths that many may be unfamiliar with but ones that we are sure will quickly become some of you favourite versions.