Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino

I have seen this vermouth on the shelf at my local store for a while now but never pulled the trigger. I have really enjoyed the Cocchi Americano but for some reason, I never tried this until now. I opened the bottle last night and made one of the best if not the best Manhatten I have ever tried and this is the reason. In a glass, the vermouth is dark tea or reddish-brown in color. The is soft chocolate and bitter notes but they intermingle wonderfully with the first sip. The body is full but not overwhelming with bitterness and the finish is medium with sweet and bitter notes changing places in my mouth. For the price, this is one of the best vermouths on the market today. The only thing I am not sure of is how fragile it is as I have had Carpano Antica go bad after just a few weeks I do not know how long this will last. But I will have plenty of Manhanttens and Negronis during that time. I am looking forward to having friends come over and try this it really is outstanding. Enjoy!

I will echo what others have said (including the Distiller notes). Drinkable on its own, over soda or in a cocktail. Golden brown in color with a viscous consistency. Butterscotch candies, caramel, toasted nuts, mint, holiday fruitcake. Viscous entry bursting with candy sweetness that is well balanced with bitter herbs (bit of quinine, thyme, and peppermint). The finish is definitely on the orange zest and bitter pith side without much lingering sweetness. Easily one of the more interesting sweet vermouths out there. Works wonderfully in a number of bourbon and rye whiskey cocktails. Over ice and club soda with a slice of orange there are a lot of cola and balsamic notes that come out and the bitterness is muted substantially, but still balanced.

Medium brown. Orange, cola, raisin, and hint of menthol and bitter roots on the nose. The palate is the nose, amplified. I can’t escape the notion of a cherry coke, but sweetened only with pressed raisins. A relatively thin body, considering the weighty appearance. The sweet fruits and vanilla start, then turn to raisin/port, then the mint notes and bittering agents take over, finally coming full circle to off-sweet citrus, cherry and vanilla to linger and dance with a gentle bitterness. The sugar is just right on this, and the flavors are complex but cohesive. Great value for a higher quality vermouth. Side-by-side with Carpano Antica, and I’d select this one for the more interesting bitter notes and is only 60% of the price.

Nose: red berries, rhubarb, caramel, orange, vanilla, and a touch of sandalwood. Taste: follows the nose—rich red berries and rhubarb plus some nuttiness and earthiness, which develops into rosemary and licorice with a lovely bitter finish to counteract the sweetness. The sweet arrival and bitter finish makes this an interesting aperitif that stands on it own. It also plays well in a variety of cocktails. I always keep a bottle on hand for a variety of drinks, including the Manhattan, Boulevardier, or Negroni.

Excellent sweet vermouth. So far I’ve tried this, Carpano Antica, Martini & Rossi, and Rivata (from Total Wine). I typically use carpano antica for my Manhattans, Boulvardier, and Negronis. Comparing the two, I’d say I like the chocolatey bitter notes of the Cocchi over the Carpano. It makes each drink slightly less sweet with the Cocchi but the finish is much more enjoyable. In cocktails, I’d use the Carpano for special guests, Cocchi for myself, and Martini & Rossi and Rivata for everyone else ;)

A sweet vermouth crafted with Moscato wine that is infused with botanicals such as: Quinine, Rhubarb, Artemisia, Star Anise, Achillea, Rose Petals, Juniper, Gentian, Cocoa, Bitter Orange, Camphor, Rosemary, Sandal, Musk, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Quassia & Mace before being bottled at 16% ABV. Drink within a month & keep chilled! It has an aromatic birth with notes of fruits, wood, herbs & spices; while a rich & complex life led to a long & slightly bitter death. November - December 2016