Cocchi Americano

As a fortified wine, Cocchi Americano is very similar to the original Kina Lillet. Lillet blanc today uses a different formula than the original, meaning Cocchi Americano Bianco is the ideal choice for any older drink recipes that specified Kina Lillet. It's quite enjoyable on its own and possesses a pleasing sharpness that Lillet Blanc lacks. The aroma is rather subdued, featuring notes of pear and elderflower. The taste has a mild bitterness, accompanied by some sweetness and citrus flavors. The finish is not very long, without any warmth and a hint of pine. While it didn't astound me served neat, it functions well as an aperitif on ice with a lemon twist. I might rate it a bit lower, but its versatility in cocktails is excellent; it can substitute dry vermouth or white vermouth in any mixed drink. The affordable price, under $20, also makes it a good value.

I've been exploring vintage drinks and the Vesper Martini was on my list. This aperitif is the closest thing to the original on the market today. This wine is excellent to amazing on its own. I enjoy it after a meal as a digestive. It is sweet with a slightly bitter finish, but it works wonderfully together. When making a Martini, this is quite different from all my other vermouths as it is sweet, not dry. Mixed with Plymouth Gin in a 1-to-1 Martini, it's out of this world. With Roku or Sutlers Gin, I use a 3-to-1 ratio and it's excellent. I even added some to a chicken dish, and it was great. I love this stuff. Additionally, this aperitif is quite stable; a bottle typically lasts about 4 weeks after opening in the refrigerator. I am eager to sample other offerings from this producer and highly recommend it. Enjoy.

I'll start by saying I really enjoy this. It's sweet, viscous, with grapefruit pith. Yes, grapefruit pith. The other components build around it. Ruby red grapefruit, apricot, honey, chamomile, eucalyptus, and a touch of bitter pith are present. Mixed 1:1 with club soda, it's decadent and intriguing. Sweet and bitter. I added frozen lemon and peach slices. I can only imagine how well this pairs with juniper and gin. A friend's assessment is correct – this could, and should, periodically substitute for Lillet Blanc, which offers more straightforward but dull Pinot Grigio notes. I'm considering Vesper martinis and Corpse Reviver #2, among other suggestions from that individual. It could even serve as a satisfying (though syrupy) digestif on its own.

A vermouth made with Moscato wine, infused with ingredients like: Quinine, Rhubarb, Wormwood, Elderflower, Star Anise, Yarrow, Rose Petals, Juniper, Gentian, Cocoa, Bitter Orange, Camphor, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Musk, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Quassia, and Mace, then bottled at 16.5% ABV. Consume within a month and keep refrigerated! It begins with an aromatic profile of fruits, woods, herbs, and spices; its complex journey concludes with a long and spicy finish. Enjoyed between May and June 2017.

The nose features bitterness and gentian with a light floral character. The palate has sweet Muscat wine with a dry, bitter gentian and floral orange peel finish. It has a medium-light body and clean, clear flavors. This possesses a gentle bitter edge, making it more intriguing than Lillet Blanc, and is essential for classic cocktails like the Corpse Reviver #2 or modern ones like the Vesper.

I really like this bianco vermouth. The gentian is apparent from the nose and the sweet-bitter balance is very successful. On the palate, citrus notes, orange, as well as the expressive aroma of the Muscat grape variety are also perceived with this marked bitterness (quinine) and a herbaceous aspect.