Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/611718
december 2015 / the tasting panel / 57 Fernet-Branca You'll know you're seated at a five-star cocktail lounge if you spot a bottle of Fernet- Branca on the back bar. It has a satiny, aloe- enhanced body and a generous bouquet laced with spicy, floral and herbaceous aromas. The cool entry quickly expands filling the mouth with a mélange of flavor, a dry, expansive offering. It's a distinct pleasure from start to lingering finish. Brancamenta If you've yet to spend a few moments alone with Brancamenta, you're in for a sensual treat. It has a lushly textured, medium- weight body and an enticing peppermint, menthol and herbal bouquet. Its brilliant aromatics are at once crisp, cool and invigo- rating. The l iqueur opens slowly and gradually reveals waves of dry, somewhat bitter, slightly spicy and decidedly minty flavors. The long finish is saturated with notes of eucalyptus, dark chocolate, anise and cloves. Antica Formula There is something compelling about tasting this outstand- ing drink, produced in limited quantities. Antica Formula sweet vermouth is a fortified wine graced with a deep scarlet hue, a silky medium-weight body and a generous bouquet of vanilla, spice, saffron, orange zest and an assortment of fruit. As captivating as the bouquet is, the palate is even more so. It features the flavors of red wine, dark chocolate, baking spices, almonds and citrus. The lingering fin- ish is both semisweet and slightly bitter. Carpano Dry This classically structured vermouth is crystal clear with a medium-weight, velvety textured body and an enticing bouquet laced with spice, lemon zest and tart green apples. Its aromatics signature alone makes this ver- mouth an impressive achievement. The entry is initially semisweet and gentle as it bathes the palate with the flavors of succulent pears, tropical fruit and fresh citrus. The lingering finish is fruity and slightly bitter. Punt e Mes The venerable vermouth brand has a deep, reddish brown color, a round, voluptuous body and a wafting bouquet of herbs, anise, cloves, sarsaparilla and zesty orange. Its bittersweet aromatics are perfectly intriguing. On the palate, Punt e Mes initially presents the semisweet side of its persona with citrus, red fruit, caramel, vanilla, anise and spice flavors. Its finish is dry, remarkably long and singularly bitter. TASTING NOTES inspired by the point and a half gesture adopted in the Turin Stock Exchange. The vermouth's label includes the phrase "L'Original Alternativa," which translates to "the original alterna- tive." Certainly the makers possessed exceptional foresight. Bartenders for years have relied on Punt e Mes as the quintessential alternative ingredient for ordinary vermouth in countless cocktails and mixed drinks. Adds Branca, "I think Punt e Mes is best served on the rocks with a slice of orange. It also makes a perfect Negroni cocktail. There's nothing remotely like it on your backbar, so enjoy." Perhaps what's most impressive about Fratelli Branca is that their products are as relevant today as they were 170 years ago. Cin cin!