310072 Mon Jul 17 22:14:21 -0700 2006 7 36 Spirits 0 1748105 Hi - sipping a a new favorite, Vya Vermouth on the rocks - half sweet and half dry. Never was a vermouth fan before, this changed my mind. Check it out and I wrote about them in my blog, too. - Jacqueline AKA Leather District Gourmet Sun Jul 16 22:42:45 -0700 2006 19161 jacquelinec 1 1748189 Yeah, I never realized vermouth could be good on its own, Vya changed my mind. I just wish it was easier to find in my area. Sun Jul 16 23:49:45 -0700 2006 1748105 10027 Chris VR 2 1748438 The best sweet vermouth on Earth is Carpano Antica Formula, it's almost too good to mix! Mon Jul 17 03:11:40 -0700 2006 1748189 17708 warrenr 1 1750697 Carpano Antico Formula? I've never heard of it. I will say that Vya changed my view on vermouth altogether. I'll check out Carpano. Thanks! Tue Jul 18 03:42:47 -0700 2006 1748105 19161 jacquelinec 1 1751477 You might also try Carpano's Punt e Mes. I believe the name ("part and a half") refers to a way people used to order vermouth and bitters. It is excellent, on the rocks. In Spain, it is very common to have vermouth on the rocks with a lime as an aperitif, or in a bar after work. Many bars have a wooden barrel of vermouth in which they pour from a tap. I've always refered to the mix of half sweet and half dry vermouth as a French Kiss. Tue Jul 18 16:45:36 -0700 2006 1748105 11296 Darren72 1 1803592 Thanks for the tips. I'll look for Punt e Mes, have seen it but sort of forgot about it...how about Pimms Cup? Sat Aug 12 04:33:56 -0700 2006 1748105 19161 jacquelinec 1 1803925 Another thing people don't realize about vermouth is that it's a wine, so once it's open it has a shelf life. Sat Aug 12 15:21:53 -0700 2006 1748105 22062 gymbeaux 1 1819041 Yup, you are correct. I don't usually have a bottle around long enough for it to turn. Even a little splash (just put some in nice bottle with pouring spout) here or there helps so many things! - Jacqueline Sat Aug 19 08:25:13 -0700 2006 1748105 19161 jacquelinec