Carpano Punt e Mes

Appearance: Dark sienna brown. Not cloudy, but too dark to see through even against a strong light. Aroma: Aged red wine, dried orange peel, dark musty cinnamon powder, cloves. Flavour and Texture: The entry has a sweet aged wine character that is reminiscent of Pasubio and other wine based amari. Initially it is almost honey-sweet but after a few seconds on the tongue bitter herbal and sour berry flavours become apparent, and these build on the palate over time. Sloe-gin, prunes, dark sour cherries, baking spices and a lingering tinge of faint hot spice. The texture is full and rich. This is made by Carpano, the same company that makes the excellent Antica Formula 1786 vermouth, however where Antica has a luscious, soft and sweet palate this is much more bitter and has a similarity to Campari. Technically this is a vermouth, but it’s a strongly aromatised one and in reality it falls somewhere between vermouth, aromatised red wine and amari. This is hardly surprising as it is exactly what the creators intended. Introduced 150 years ago, this is a compelling base for long drinks and is well worth trying as a variation from your usual vermouth in mixed drinks. It works particularly well in a Negroni. Mixed in equal proportions with prosecco and soda water it makes a very good spritz with a full, almost earthy quality that is unlike lighter fruit-forward aparitivi. When mixed with lemonade and soda it is very like chinotto soft drink. As the bittering agents here are mostly quinine and bitter orange peel, for a really solid bittersweet drink try 2 oz of this with 4 oz of tonic water and a slice of orange. Good value, versatile and interesting – well worth a try. “Above Average” : 82/100 (3.25 stars)

This stuff is incredibly flavorful and powerful. Like formula antica it is tough to balance in a mix. More Bitter than standard Vermouths. Tart dark cherry, nutmeg, vanilla, baking spices, berries and a ton more will pop out. Will make the best Americano you will ever have in your life!

Very nice step up from the typical M&R without breaking the bank. Bolder sharper flavors, and the "point and a half" is accurate so step it down a bit when making your cocktails or it can overpower the rest.

I wouldnt buy again... But if you really want something like this why wouldnt you just put some campari in your vermouth. It doesnt make since. But I do not like bitter drinks so what do I know

Like a red vermouth with the sweetness and bitterness of dark cherries. This makes for an excellent Negroni. Highly recommend.

More complex and thick than vermouth, red berries and cherry come forward the most. Works amazing in a negroni.