In an exciting development, not only has a welcome collaboration between Federico Ricatto, Carlos Quaglia and the Jerry Thomas Speakeasy in Rome brought us this delightful vermouth, but I've also deciphered the cryptic name with detective excellence and gift for languages.
You see 'del Professore' means 'The Professor', and it is a reference to the iconic bartender and cocktail pioneer Jerry Thomas, for whom the speakeasy in Rome I've already referenced also honours with its name (eat your heart out Poirot, that's how you solve a mystery).
Produced at the Antica Distilleria Quaglia in the picturesque hills between Monferrato and Turin, this vermouth is notable because it is made solely from wine and ingredients produced in-house, such as the Moscato-based wine from the Langhe and the dozen-or-so additional herbs and spices.
Floral, sweet and lightly spiced, there's honey, chamomile, wormwood and a pinch of nutmeg.
Beautifully delicate, soft and creamy, subtle marshmallow and cocoa maintain throughout, as seedless raisins and winter spices rise and fade.
A long finish brings a hint of liquorice that gives the oak a tangy profile.
