Carpano Punt e Mes

Visual: Deep sienna brown. Opaque, even when held to a strong light. Smell: Notes of aged red wine, dried orange peel, earthy cinnamon powder, and cloves. Taste and Mouthfeel: The initial taste is sweet, with an aged wine quality reminiscent of Pasubio and other wine-based amari. It starts almost honey-sweet, but a few seconds later, bitter herbal and tart berry flavors emerge, intensifying on the palate over time. Hints of sloe gin, prunes, dark tart cherries, baking spices, and a subtle lingering warmth. Crafted by Carpano, the producers of the excellent Antica Formula 1786 vermouth. However, while Antica offers a smooth, sweet taste, this is significantly more bitter, akin to Campari. While technically a vermouth, it's intensely flavored and sits somewhere between vermouth, aromatized wine, and amari, as intended by its creators. Originally released 150 years ago, it's a captivating base for mixed drinks and a worthwhile alternative to your standard vermouth in cocktails. It particularly shines in a Negroni. When mixed equally with prosecco and soda water, it creates a very pleasant spritz with a full, almost soil-like character, distinct from lighter, fruit-forward aperitifs. Mixed with lemonade and soda, it closely resembles a chinotto soft drink. Given its primary bittering agents are quinine and bitter orange peel, for a robust bittersweet experience, try 2 oz of this with 4 oz of tonic water and an orange slice. An excellent value, adaptable, and intriguing – definitely worth sampling. Rating: 82/100 (3.25 stars)

This spirit packs an immense amount of flavor and potency. Similar to another spirit, it's challenging to balance in a mixed drink. It's more bitter than typical vermouths. Expect notes of tart dark cherry, nutmeg, vanilla, baking spices, berries, and much more to come through.

A significant upgrade from common M&R without a high cost. More intense, sharper notes, and the "point and a half" is accurate so reduce the amount in your cocktails slightly or it could overwhelm the other components.

I would not purchase this again... If you're seeking something like this, why not simply add Campari to your vermouth? It doesn't make sense. However, I dislike bitter beverages, so what do I know?

Reminds me of a red vermouth with dark cherry sweetness and bitterness. It makes a superb Negroni. Strongly suggest it.

Denser and richer than vermouth, with prominent red berries and cherry notes. Performs exceptionally well in a negroni.