Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth

Its flavor of lightly sweet mild grape, citrus, and mellow herbs is unremarkable on its own, with gentle bitterness. However, it makes a damn solid Martini and “perfect” Manhattan as a mixer. This is intended for use as a mixer, not as a stand-alone aperitif or spritzer. It won’t amaze you with complexity, but it really supports other spirits in a cocktail, especially shining in a classic, old-school Martini (I actually prefer a wet Martini with a 2:1 ratio). Don’t hesitate to pair it with top-shelf spirits, particularly gins with a citrus-forward profile.

A readily available dry vermouth, Martini & Rossi dry won't astound you, but it performs its function well for its very low cost. Would I prefer Noilly Prat for a similar price, most likely, but for the value, it's certainly worth keeping stocked. The nose offers olive, honey, and a hint of lemon zest. The palate has a touch of sweetness, apples, and is somewhat acidic. The finish is quick, without any burn and some white peach notes. Again, drinking this neat won't astound you, but it works excellently in cocktails and the price is hard to argue with.

Fruity aroma, with grapes and apples, but the taste is not very pleasant, like sour grapes, and it leaves an undesirable aftertaste. It also doesn't really enhance your martinis. Consider purchasing a bottle of Noilly Prat or Dolin's instead.

Four stars for being a classic mixer. Not particularly remarkable, but it's a staple in the standard American bartender's toolkit.

Bright fruit aromas, like tangerine. The flavors become more wine-like, with overripe grape and a slightly bitter finish that doesn't last long.

A light scent of lemon, grape, and fresh grass. A light fruity flavor with a hint of bitterness. Not very complex.