A classic red vermouth created by Carpano all the way back in 1870, Punt E Mes was actually named after a… stock broking term? Punt E Mes translates to ‘a point and a half’, and at the end of a day stock brokers would enter the Carpano bar and ask for exactly that (but this also happened on a day when key stocks had fallen by one and a half points). So, the link was made and the drink was named as such after they all had a good laugh about it (we assume).
The vermouth contains quinine, which adds to the lovely bitterness, alongside 10 other herbs and spices. The result is a superbly balanced and herbal flavour. A great addition to many a cocktail.
Bittersweet, as expected, with a good helping of sweeter dark red fruits, baking spices, vanilla, orange peel and a pinch of tobacco, with a bitter fruitiness returning on the finish.
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When it comes to a balance red vermouth/ italian amaro it really doesn’t get any better than this!
I thought this was way too bitter and strong for my taste... Maybe good mixed with something else, for example, a negroni
I have tried various vermouths for my love of Negronis and find Punt e Mes to be the best - such a dark and rich flavour (think Christmas pudding) compared to other "more watery" options. The only other I like is Carpano Classico which is perhaps slightly more cherry coke whereas punt e mes is slightly more grown up and herbal in its flavours.
My go-to for making negronis, and it comes at a great price (it's as good, if not better, than many of the more expensive alternatives).
The best vermouth possible, great as a mixer but also delicious on ice.
