Intrepid Imbibing, September - Artisanal Vermouth

Howdy, Intrepid Imbibers! This month, we're focusing on Artisanal Vermouth. For the uninitiated, Vermouth is basically wine that’s been zhuzhed up with botanicals, herbs, and a touch of spirit. Born in Italy and France in the 18th century, vermouth started as a medicinal tonic, but quickly evolved into the essential aperitif that defined European café culture.

When most people hear vermouth, they picture a dusty bottle in the back of a cabinet, or a splash in a Martini that gets barely waved over the glass instead of poured. But it’s time to rethink everything you thought you knew. Vermouth is having a comeback — and it’s bold, fresh, and more delicious than ever. Welcome to the Revenge of the Aperitif.

Not Just for Cocktails Anymore

New-wave producers are rescuing vermouth from its reputation as a “background player.” Today’s artisanal versions are crafted with as much care as fine wines — infused with foraged herbs, local fruits, and botanicals that reflect the place they come from. They’re not designed to hide in a Negroni; they’re meant to shine on their own.

Sip it neat. Spritz it with soda. Or yes, use it to upgrade your next Martini or Negroni. However you choose, you’ll find it’s far more complex — and far more rewarding — than that bottle in your grandmother’s fridge ever suggested. As a rule of thumb, white vermouths lean dry (except for the richer "blanc" style), while red vermouths are usually sweet, though not cloying.

Why You’ll Love Vermouth

Vermouth is a gateway into the world of aromatics and balance. It’s herbal, often gently bitter, sometimes citrusy or floral, and always layered. Even better? Most vermouths are low-ABV — meaning you get big flavor without the big buzz. Perfect for those early evening hours when you want something sophisticated but not overwhelming.

How to Store It

One thing to remember: vermouth is wine-based, so it won’t last forever once opened. Keep it sealed and refrigerated, and enjoy it within about a month (though some can last up to two). Treat it like a fresh ingredient, and you’ll always get the vibrant flavors the producer intended.

A Few Bottles to Try

• Channing Daughters VerVino (Long Island, NY): wild-foraged, small-batch vermouths with citrus, herbal lift, and plenty of character.

• Partida Creus Muz (Spain): funky, fabulous, and sure to impress your palate (and your dinner guests).

• Poli Gran Bassano Bianco (Italy): based on the local Vespaiolo grape, infused with 20 botanicals for a crisp, aromatic sip.

Note that these artisanal versions are great on their own, but the large-production names like Dolin, Martini & Rossi, and Carpano Antica are well-made and dependable, if not perhaps as complex or compelling (so I tend to keep those for cocktails where they'll play well with others.)

The Aperitif Renaissance

This month, instead of reaching for something high-octane at drinkin' time, try starting your evening the European way: with an aperitif. Pour a glass of artisanal vermouth over ice, add an orange twist if you like, and enjoy a moment of balance and refreshment. It’s not just a drink — it’s a mindset.

Explore, experiment, and let vermouth surprise you. When you find a bottle you love, tag me and let me know how you enjoyed it — neat, spritzed, or in your favorite cocktail.

Cheers!