Name: Antica Formula Vermouth
Color: Brown-Green
Nose: Earth, wood, dirt, sugar notes
Taste: Herbs, vanilla, bitters, citrus peels, barrel wood
Antica Formula is a premium vermouth that dates back to a 1786 recipe created by Antonio Benedetto Carpano in Turin, Italy. Carpono was said to be the original creator of this fortified wine which is made from herbs and botanicals. It is created from Wormwood is officially known as Artemisia absinthium which is an ornamental plant used in absinthe and vermouth. Artemisia is named after the Greek goddess for the hunt and protector of the forest and children. The name vermouth comes from the German word “wermuth” which means wormwood. Still following?
I first saw Antica Formula Vermouth on high end cocktail menus when living in Florida and have since learned it is preferred for cocktails over the competition. It should be as it has a superior taste and is more complex. Antica Forumula has an earthy nose, sweet woods, with taste that can only be described as twigs and grass.The only thing I could say it compares to is Fernet Branca which is also a bitter drink but not used in cocktails.
Final thoughts:
- Tastes great in a Big Ass Anthony Bourdain styled Negroni.
- It will spoil if you open it and keep it in the fridge too long. It is a fortified wine, not a spirit. So buy the smaller bottle and use it up in less than 30 days.
- Antica Formula and New Riff Single Barrel Rye will be used for my January 2023 “Opinions Vary: Old Fashioned v. Manhattan”.
Priced around $18 from a 375ml bottle and worth it for cocktails but not for drinking straight. I shudder at the hangover this stuff could give you.
If you like it, drink it! – Christopher
If you like it, drink it!
