Antica Formula Carpano Vermouth

Great vermouth for the perfect Negroni.

Simple the best vermouth, fruity, sweet, bitter, bold and rich.
If you want to made the best Negroni or Manhattan you can go wrong.

So rich, full and fruity. Delicious in a Manhattan but a little overpowering in a Negroni for me.

I really wanted to think this was spectacular. Its got great intensity, and a good combination of bitterness and sweetness, and the complexity of flavours is very impressive, but...well, there's a faint aroma I can only describe as "just walked into a pharmacy". And it's pervasive. As the flavours all rebalance around the whiskey in my Manhattan, the medicinal nose is still there. You end up with something that feels like "medicine that's surprisingly pleasant" - great when you're unwell as a child and are dreading something icky, but not what you actually want a cocktail to taste like.

Only used in Manhattans so far (as well as a little nip when first opened) but I shall explore in greater depth...

This is great in Manhattans, but these days I just like to drink it on its own, on the rocks with a slice of orange. A superb mix of sweet and bitter.

This vermouth is good in various whiskey cocktails and really, I think, the gold standard for Manhattans. It seems to work well with almost any bourbon or rye, no matter their flavor profile or proof. The only exception so far has been with extremely woody bourbons, but i have yet to find a vermouth for those.

I bought a case of this from Berry Brothers two years ago. I was making negronis. A lot. The Groucho used it for theirs. This has a sweeter vanilla date taste than its less expensive cousin Punt E Mes. Great with Americano (Negroni without the Gin). And in a hot day with lots of crushed ice.

This is good undoubtedly. It has a fair amount of complexity. The reviews all seem to sing it's praises, so that must be good. And partnered with gins, choose something big and robust as the Antica Formula will probably overpower it anyway. However, in your Manhattan it leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste. Not necessarily a bad thing, but something to be aware of.

Upon a recommendation from a local bartender we bought a bottle. We like it...a bit sweeter than others. Nice just plain, but delicious in a manhattan. Very curious to know the contents. Do I tsste cloves?

Billie Jane Maul
Margate, NJ

The ultimate Vermouth! It sets the benchmark!