Where to buy good balsamic?

[tsackton]

My bottle of 25-year-old balsamic from Claudio's Italian market in Philadelphia is running low, and rather than ordering a new bottle online I'd like to find a local source for something equivalent. I can't afford the $100+ a bottle stuff - Claudio's house brand 25-year is ~$35 for 250 ml and I'm looking for something in that range ($30-$50 / 250 ml). Anyone have suggestions for good stores to get balsamic of that quality?

[BobB]

Capone Foods original location in Union Square, Somerville has a good selection and they put out little tasting cups of their oils and vinegars on Saturday morning - with bits of Clear Flour bread to dip in them!

[cassoulady]

i buy Rubio at Salumeria on Richmond St in the NE and they give you a little spout to go with it. I really enjoy it . great taste, great texture, but not too expensive.

[nsenada]

Second Salumeria Italiana, though I usually get the cheap stuff at Trader Joe's.

[enhF94]

Avoid Sessa's, which sells those bottles labeled "21" and "15" that are neither DOP (likely out of your price range) nor CABM (probably right in your price range) and are include caramel coloring. I have no beef with caramel coloring, but if there are ingredients on the bottle other than cooked grape must ("musto d'uva cotta" or some such), keep looking.

Formaggio all the way, sigh.

[Gabatta]

My favorite is from O&Co (Newbury St or available online). It is $34 for an 8.5 oz bottle so it sounds like it is right in your range.

I previously used the Rubio balsamic purchased at Salumeria Italiana which is $38 for 8.5oz and I definitely prefer the O&Co balsamic.

I am not sure why, but I was hesitant to try the O&Co brand at first. Finally a friend gave me a bottle and it has become a staple.

[almansa]

I'd try Villa Manodori from Whole Foods.They have it at Formaggio, but it's much more expensive there. Whole Foods has it for about $9 over wholesale. Rubio is decent, too. I've seen it at Salumeria Italiana. I think the Rubio is a copy of the Manodori, and they're both around $35 for a 250.

[enhF94]

I have heard cynical folks I respect get goofy over Rubio.

[Food4Thought]

A little fearful of commitment? As of last week, SI had 8ml "nips" of Rubio for $1.49 so you can check it out to see if you like it before purchasing a larger quantity

[winedude]

Here's a strong second for Villa Manodori. They sell it at Marty's Liquors in Newton for the lowest price around (probably in the country), about $6/bottle less than Whole Foods. Great stuff, and a true "condimento", made in the artisinal style.

[finlero]

Formaggio has a stellar selection, including some good options in your price range.