-
Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose
Distiller Score 94
Really bright, intense grapefruit nose with the rose playing a very minor role here. The floral note shows up on the finish, but the grapefruit is there to stop it from heading into potpourri territory. It has a crisp, bittersweet finish. Of course you could use this in a cocktail, but it really doesn't need much more than ice and club soda to be complete.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Dolin Dry Vermouth
Distiller Score 90
Dolin Dry Vermouth is almost clear in color. The intensity on the aroma is low, but there are lemon and wine notes to be found. Otherwise, not a lot going on there. The vermouth is soft on the palate with the intensity picking up a bit. More of the lemony notes, but also a mild green herb and bitter notes coming through. The added sweetness just rounds out the vermouth, it doesn't show much sweetness at all. Overall, not a neutral vermouth but perhaps one to choose if you're not looking for overly bitter.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Martini & Rossi Fiero
Distiller Score 87
The nose is sticky-sweet, like a semi-melted watermelon Jolly Rancher. There's also sour cherries, orange zest, and gentian, along with lychee and violets. The palate offers candied fruit chews in front of a lightly bitter backbone, with tart raspberries and lingonberries, pink peppercorn, an herbaceous side with marjoram and thyme, and juicy grapefruit. The finish is short and citrus-forward for this bright, zippy aperitif.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino
Distiller Score 87
Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino has a bright, medium amber color and an intense aroma of fruitcake, cola, and menthol. It has a moderately sweet profile, but its acidity lifts the vermouth up. The bitter notes are present, but don't take over the tangy, sweet profile. Feel free to drink with the cheese course at the end of a meal.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Lillet Blanc
Distiller Score 89
Notes of blood orange, ruby red grapefruit, sage, thyme, and oregano mix with subtle florals on the nose. The palate is a mix of ripe quince and pear, white grapefruit, rosemary, and floral aromatics bound by an earthy, slightly woody grip. It finishes with a honeyed sweetness and hints of rhubarb.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
-
Dolin Rouge Vermouth
Distiller Score 87
Dolin Rouge Vermouth has a medium dark amber color and a bright, savory nose. The first thought was pizza sauce with an oregano, but not in a negative way. Gentle cinnamon notes make an appearance as well. As you move to taste it, the vermouth is medium-full and soft on the palate. It is more tart than sweet and not terribly bitter. Some orange shows up as well as caramel.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom
Distiller Score 85
Peach is the primary aroma here along with a slight green aromatic quality. Difficult to ascertain the orange blossom since the peach is so intense. It is somewhat one dimensional, but enjoyable nonetheless. Mix as you see fit.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Novo Fogo Brazilian Organic Cocktail Lime
Distiller Score 88
A decent balance of authentic lime aromas, flavors, and juiciness allow some cachaça funk to come through in a pleasant way. There's not much citric tartness present and the palate veers toward the sweet side. However, the cocktail is still refreshing to sip.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
-
Cocchi Americano
Distiller Score 89
Aromas of sweet herbs and woodsy botanicals — mint, thyme, pine needle — mix with pear and stone fruits on the nose. The palate combines honeyed flavors of golden apple, quince, lemon, and pear with earthy alpine notes, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, sassafras, cinchona bark, and mint. It leans somewhat to the fruity side, with a honeyed finish, but with a balanced grip from the botanical mix.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
-
Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth
Distiller Score 84
Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth is almost clear in color and has a low intensity on the aroma. Here you'll find cooked vegetables, orange hard candies, and a touch of cedar and dried herbs. The taste is tangy and has a high acidity. The flavor has a lemony finish and is not particularly bitter. Would mix rather than drink on its own.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
iichiko Silhouette Shochu
Distiller Score 86
The nose is fruity and floral, with lychee, tropical fruit bubble gum, and roses, along with rice porridge and dandelions. The palate though is then grain-forward, with barley and cereal grains, as well as a grassy side with bay leaf, and also powdered sugar. The finish is soft and clean, with canned peaches, hay, soba noodles, and chrysanthemum bud.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
Noilly Prat Extra Dry Vermouth
Distiller Score 90
With a very pale yellow color, the vermouth opens up aromas of sea salt, orange peel, some bitter roots and a very slight nutty profile. On the palate, the vermouth is sharp and tangy. These aromas aren't super intense on the palate, but the same notes appear. Chamomile and coriander show up as light notes. Very much a vermouth for when you don't want to overpower your cocktail. If you prefer a Vodka Martinis, you might want to give this one a try.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno