Belsazar Dry Vermouth

First up is the Belsazar Dry; A tangy, complex vermouth, perfect on the rocks or mixed with lighter spirits. Based on the Gutedel grape variety (better known as Chasselas around these parts), this aromatic, tangy, super-dry vermouth uses two types of wormwood in a botanical bill that also includes apple, cinchona, fennel, cardamom and lemon peel. It is fortified with a touch of Schladerer’s peach eau-de-vie, lending a pleasant fruity note to an otherwise dry vermouth. At a lean 28 grams/litre (less than Noilly Prat and Dolin for example), this is genuinely dry and yet it is also one of the most textured and vinous in its category, making it nicely versatile and user-friendly; from apéritifs through to the classics.

Try it in Belsazar’s Dry and Tonic apéritif, or shake up 25ml with 50ml Dodd’s gin or Poor Toms Fool Strength for a cracking boozy Martini where this vermouth really stretches the flavour. P.S.: It also makes a killer ingredient in beurre blanc, vinaigrette and risotto.  Perfect serve (pictured above): Dry & Tonic. 50ml Belsazar Dry, 100ml StrangeLove Tonic (of choice); over ice with lemon garnish.