Vermouth
coming to terms with vermouth
We have never had any interested in infused drinks. We were a big snobby about adulterating spirits and wines. But no more. A bar keeper at The bitter Bar on Main Street in Napa turned us around. He made a martini for me with Tximista Blanco Vermouth. And wow did it change things. 5 minutes of vermouth research and I found I was in for a fascinating journey into the world of this diverse drink.
There are so many to choose from and so many styles. After reviewing a bunch of sites and reviews, we thought we'd start with these. So, this is what we've been up to so far . . . But the list will grow.
Maker: Eizaguirre Family
Description: Tximista Vermouth – Vermut de Uvas Txakoli
Thoughts: This is where it all started. This is my ground zero. A guy in The Bitter Bar on Main Street in Napa made me a martini because I wanted to try a gin called Griffo from Petaluma, because I had been the pourer/server at BV for the CEO of the Griffo distillery. He told me The Bitter Bar carried it. Now, I hated gin at that point. But I trusted Will, the CEO. And this martini changed my life. Griffo is very good gin, but Tximista’s sweet wine smoothness made the drink. The aftertaste and finish are amazing. They go on for five minutes. I could drink this over ice all night. It is a stellar drink. But it’s not so precious that it won’t be a team member and play nice with gin. Seriously, this is amazing blanco gin.
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Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
Maker: Maison Dolin
Description: Dolin Vermouth de Chambery
Thoughts:
Dolin Dry – Ever so slightly sweet, fragrant, beautifully like Semillon. Hints of quince, white wine, pear, creamy cheese, only the slightest bitterness. Yum. Drink it well chilled. Gin doesn’t deserve this! haha
Dolin Blanc – Greener with more sweetness, green herbs like chard, sweet pear, ripe honeydew melon, sweet lemon. It’s just gorgeous. No wonder this is a leading brand. But I don’t see this in a gin drink for some reason.
Dolin Rouge – This is like pomegranate cola, a hint of welcome bitterness to balance the rich sweetness. This sticks to the teeth and luxuriates upon the palate and long finish. Can someone say Negroni?
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
Maker: Giulio Cocchi
Description: Vermouth di Torino
Thoughts: Deep, tawny, rich, viscous, almost syrupy gorgeousness. No wonder everyone pops this into a negroni! This is so pretty. Not overly sweet. Just really pretty. Rich berries, cooked prunes, plum, stone fruit. I think this might take the vemouth cake!
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Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
Maker: Boissiere Company
Description: Extra Dry Vermouth
Thoughts: My second martini was made with Tanqueray and Boissiere. And I was in love. This wine-based vermouth is a perfect match for gin to make a martini. It is like the mayo to mustard or cheese on a well sauced pizza. It is really useful and lovely.
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
Maker: Noilly Prat
Description: Vermouth de France
Thoughts: This comes across as gentle wine with botanicals. After tasting it, my immediate thought was that this wants an orange peel and a gentle gin like Sapphire. And the back of the bottle says just that! HA!
At first, I didn’t like this. But after a rest I came around. Reminds me a little of the Lillet. I was expecting something different, but this one of the classics.
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Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
Maker: Lustau
Description: Blanco Vermut
Thoughts: A touch of sweet on the palate. Blancos, from what we’ve read are mostly mildly sweet, which balances the wormwood bitterness. It does have a slight sherry note on the nose as well. We loved the white wine notes and the gentian root rootiness. Reminds one or Suze, which is a gentian root liqueur.
All in all, a very pleasant vermouth that would happily love to be mixed with a moderately flavored gin and a tease of citrus.
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
Maker: Giulio Cocchi
Description: Vermouth di Torino
Thoughts: A tawny drink with beautiful cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, dried fig, cocoa, peach and strawberries.
Perfect balance of sweet and bitter notes. Gin would be friends with this gem. But I would drink this on ice with great satisfaction.
Remember to follow us on Instagram @SippedReviews. And there are more ratings than appear here at our site: Pantomimehorse.com
Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
