Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino

I've noticed this vermouth on the shelf at my local shop for some time but never purchased it. I've really enjoyed Cocchi Americano, so I'm not sure why I waited to try this. I opened the bottle last night and created one of the best, if not the best, Manhattan I've ever had, and this vermouth is the reason. In the glass, the vermouth displays a dark tea or reddish-brown color. It has soft chocolate and bitter notes that blend wonderfully from the first taste. The body is full without being overwhelmingly bitter, and the finish is medium, with sweet and bitter notes interplaying. For the price, this is among the top vermouths available today. The only uncertainty is its shelf life, as Carpano Antica has spoiled for me after just a few weeks; I don't know how long this will last. However, I'll be making plenty of Manhattans and Negronis in the meantime. I'm eager for friends to try it; it's truly outstanding. Enjoy!

I'll agree with others (and the official tasting notes). It's enjoyable on its own, with soda, or in a cocktail. It has a golden brown color and a viscous texture. Notes of butterscotch, caramel, toasted nuts, mint, and holiday fruitcake are present. The entry is viscous and bursts with candy-like sweetness, well-balanced by bitter herbs (hints of quinine, thyme, and peppermint). The finish is decidedly on the orange zest and bitter pith side, with minimal lingering sweetness. It's easily one of the more intriguing sweet vermouths available. It performs exceptionally well in various bourbon and rye whiskey cocktails. Served over ice with club soda and an orange slice, it reveals cola and balsamic notes, and the bitterness is significantly muted, yet still balanced.

Deep brown color. Aromas of orange, cola, raisin, and a whisper of menthol and bitter herbs. The taste mirrors the nose, but stronger. It consistently reminds me of cherry cola sweetened with pressed raisins. It has a rather light body despite its substantial appearance. Sweet fruits and vanilla emerge first, transitioning to raisin/port notes, then mint and bittering agents take over, ultimately returning to off-sweet citrus, cherry, and vanilla that linger and mingle with a gentle bitterness. The sweetness level is spot on, and the flavors are intricate yet harmonious. An excellent value for a premium vermouth. Compared directly with Carpano Antica, I would choose this one for its more intriguing bitter notes and at a significantly lower cost.

Nose: Red berries, rhubarb, caramel, orange, vanilla, and a hint of sandalwood. Taste: Echoes the nose, featuring rich red berries and rhubarb along with some nuttiness and earthiness, evolving into rosemary and licorice with a pleasant bitter finish that balances the sweetness. The sweet entry and bitter finish make this an intriguing aperitif that is excellent on its own. It also performs well in various cocktails. I always keep a bottle handy for different drinks, including the Manhattan, Boulevardier, or Negroni.

A fantastic sweet vermouth. Thus far, I've sampled this one, Carpano Antica, Martini & Rossi, and Rivata (from Total Wine). My usual go-to for Manhattans, Boulvardiers, and Negronis is Carpano Antica. When I compare the two, I find the Cocchi's chocolatey, bitter profile superior to the Carpano's. Drinks made with Cocchi are a touch less sweet than those with Carpano, but the aftertaste is significantly more pleasant. For mixed drinks, I'd reserve Carpano for honored company, use Cocchi for my own enjoyment, and the Martini & Rossi and Rivata for general consumption;)

A sweet vermouth made with Moscato wine, infused with botanicals including: Quinine, Rhubarb, Artemisia, Star Anise, Achillea, Rose Petals, Juniper, Gentian, Cocoa, Bitter Orange, Camphor, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Musk, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Quassia, and Mace, then bottled at 16% ABV. Drink within a month and keep chilled! It has an aromatic beginning with notes of fruits, wood, herbs, and spices; while a rich and complex life led to a long and slightly bitter end. Tasted November - December 2016.