Is sherry vinegar worth the expense?

[Janskitchen]

I've been seeing sherry vinegar used in several recipes lately and was wondering it it's worth the $$. I priced it at Wegman's and it's quite expensive. I generally keep cider, balsamic and rice vinegar in my pantry. How many kinds of vinegar do I need!

[arktos]

If you like black beans it is. Can't imagine them without a little splash of fine Spanish sherry vinegar.

[escondido123]

I agree that it has a great flavor used "raw." If I wanted that flavor in a cooked dish, I think I would add a little sherry.

[Janskitchen]

Thanks everyone. I guess I will have to break down and buy a bottle.

[Donaldopato]

Oh yes, definitely. It is so smooth and almost subtle. Distinctive flavor. I use it in a salad dressing with walnut oil and fine olive oil. It is raved about.

[meagan]

Definitely worth the expense...I had avoided buying it for a long time, then broke down and bought a bottle. I primarily use it for salad dressing. It has a wonderful, distinct taste. I don't think there is a substitute for it...red wine vinegar doesn't really taste the same.

[Peg]

I think it's worth it - but only you can decide if it is worth it to you. Try it and make up your own mind!

[Harters]

I have sherry vinegar and I have red wine vinegar. The sherry is a bit more expensive than the red wine, but only a bit. Can't taste the difference when it's in the dish.

[escondido123]

If it makes any difference, I feel that you can often cut the amount of sherry vinegar in half--maybe adding a mild red wine vinegar for the rest, and it still provides flavor. I've also been known to add some sherry to a half empty bottle of red wine vinegar and leave it alone for awhile. May not be real, but it provides the flavor.

[debbiel]

I can't imagine my kitchen without sherry vinegar. It is my workhorse vinegar, used in my house more than any other (rice vinegar comes in second). Several years ago it was incredibly difficult to find in my town. I'd get frustrated seeing 20 options for balsamic vinegar and none for sherry. Now, finally, I can consistently get it in town. It's a fantastic and worthwhile ingredient to have in your pantry.

[Calamityville]

It is if you like it! I love the stuff. I have three different bottles on my shelf. My favorite is the Lustau. I use it on steamed vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil. I also have red wine, white wine, champagne and distilled white in the house along with cider, balsamic and rice vinegars. They all have their uses.

[GH1618]

I don't think there is any substitute for this product. Here is a link to a source which sells a half bottle for $6.50:

http://www.gauchogourmet.com/vinegars...