De Salins Vermouth Dry

Rating: 14/23. Vermouth is always challenging to evaluate, especially lighter styles that can be easily altered. This one isn't harsh, flat, or overly mild; its character is present but subdued and balanced. Taste-wise, it's spicy and sweeter than expected for a dry vermouth, with baking spice notes reminiscent of a favorite gin. Unfortunately, it doesn't pair well with that gin because they are too similar. When used in martinis, it develops flavors of overripe fruit and sulfur. Initially thought it would rate highly for a store brand, but it doesn't seem to detract from other ingredients. It improves a different gin, leading to a score of 14. It's not bad for a store brand, but high-quality ingredients that complement each other are key for martinis. When revisited with the same gin, more sulfur is apparent, lowering the rating to 12, possibly even less. Trying it again with another spirit, the combination is better, with only a slight sulfur note. This is more enjoyable than the neat spirit. However, on its own, it's slightly off. Mixing with caution is advised. Initially thought this was superior to the other spirit, but its inconsistency as a mixer warrants a slightly lower score, perhaps 14, considering its high points. It works well with yet another gin. Now considered a good mixer, the 14 rating seems low. It doesn't improve this specific gin but enhances the other spirit. Perhaps the initial gin is unusual. Increasing the score from 14 to 15, but unlikely to go higher.