Noilly Prat Original Dry Vermouth

Rating: 8/23 Nose: The scent is pleasant and typical of a dry vermouth, but lacks depth. For many cocktail applications, this might not be an issue. However, for dry vermouth, complexity is crucial. Dry vermouth is primarily used in martinis, which have very few other components, often delicate ones, meaning there's nothing to conceal a lack of character. The aroma presents a somewhat sweet tartness, akin to a specific lemon variety, with a floral hint and a richer quality, like preserved lemon but without the salt. That's the extent of it. Palate: It's less tart and lighter initially than the nose suggests, with tartness increasing as you taste. There's a significant mineral presence throughout. An underlying bitterness hints at herbal notes but doesn't fully develop. This is what I identified as preserved lemon in the aroma. I detect that same sweet, tart lemon flavor here, creating a solid foundation, but nothing is built upon it. Frankly, that's about all there is. Finish: The lemon flavor lingers, shifting towards bitterness that occasionally resembles grapefruit. Minerality is also present. Nothing truly stands out. It's simply bland and somewhat bitter. Regrettably, I cannot endorse this product. The flavor is acceptable, but there's a noticeable absence of engaging qualities. It's rather unremarkable. To be clear, it's not unpleasant. I could finish a glass, but only out of courtesy. Sadly, I anticipate this will receive a score of 8.

Initial thoughts in a martini: It certainly rescued a mediocre (or perhaps just completely uninspired) gin from creating a dismal experience. Given this is Noilly Prat, I anticipate somewhat unusual yet satisfyingly complex and full flavors. The nose has notes of apple, but also something akin to olives subtly blended with melted cheese and tomato sauce on pizza. After some thought, it genuinely smells like pizza! The palate echoes this profile, though naturally lacking the same richness. There's also a stronger emphasis on the general white wine character. Overall, the pizza comparison holds. There's an undeniable fruitiness, which at its best approaches Sauternes, but the pizza essence is unavoidable. Cheese pizza with apple and Sauternes. Strange. I can't say I'm fond of it, but it might be acceptable for mixing. I'll rate this a 10, below a 12. I don't dislike it, but it absolutely requires mixing to be consumed. Perhaps chilling it will improve things. Noilly Prat Rouge, when chilled, is considerably better on its own.

12.31.21 Served: On the rocks Bottle Opened: Unknown (at a bar) Aroma: Oxidized sherry and herbs. Taste: Sherry, oregano, tomato. Not quite the intense herbal profile of Dolin Rouge; the oregano and tomato are very subdued. A pronounced bitter finish, which is what I seek in a vermouth. Not unpleasant, just unexciting for a vermouth. The bottle might not have been stored correctly. Requires another tasting.

A clean, crisp white wine flavor with a hint of bitterness at the end. It has a light body and not much else. It's suitable for mixing cocktails.

A standard vermouth that I always have on hand for cooking. It's adequate for the occasional quick martini.