CHEERS: The Vermouth Factor
In the world of Negroni many think the key player is the gin. Sure, it’s a very important part of the drink, but as long as you stick to London dry gins you will stay on track in terms of the correct flavor profile of the classic Negroni. The real flavor game changer is the vermouth, and honestly, it should be the ingredient that you consider the most. Vermouth is a fortified wine with a blend of herbs and botanicals that make/create its flavor and color. Each producer has their own proprietary blend with very different flavor profiles, which ultimately affect the flavor of your Negroni. I like vermouths that are rich and spicy (like Punt e Mes) more than the ones that taste of caramel or dried fruit notes (Cocchi). It really is a matter of individual taste though, and the exciting thing about vermouths is once you start poking around there are an incredible amount out there besides big commercial brands (like Martini).
Some to check out:
1805 Vermouth Mazzini Rosso (from Sardegna a part of the Soilair collection)
Berto Rosso
Mommenpop (out of Napa has a very cool blood orange/Seville orange aperitif that can be subbed in as vermouth)
Belsazar (from Baden, Germany)
The bench standards:
Punt e Mes
Antica Formula
Cinzano
Carpano Classico
Martini (if you must)
MAILBAG
There was a time many years ago when I would run to the mailbox to see if my favorite catalog had arrived. I loved the print catalogs from Banana Republic, Orvis, L.L. Bean, Lands End, Brooks Brothers, Tweeds, J. Peterman and J.Crew. I could not get enough. These catalogs were inspiring and they had a strong lifestyle point of view. I would dog-ear or tear out the page to pin up on my bulletin board of stuff I liked, wanted to buy, or put on my wish list. Often I would just archive whole editions to reference at a later date. It was a ritual, it was fun, and I liked it. In recent years, most of the catalogs that arrive go immediately into the recycle bin with no consideration, until now. What a joy it was to receive the latest catalogs in the mail from J. Press, Paul Stuart and my old favorite L.L. Bean. Not only were they filled with great stuff (things that immediately made my wish list), but the visuals are beautiful, inspiring and evocative.
THE DROP
So here is the latest hat we are producing for all you Wm Brown and Negroni fans out there: the N+ (blood type Negroni) dad cap, inspired by rally car drivers who have their blood type listed on the panels their cars. There will be no mistake letting the world know what flows through your veins. Wm Brown logo embroidered on the back. Made with love in China in limited supply. The first 50 orders get a special treat. Go get ‘em here.
Hopefully I was one of the first 50 to buy mine 🤞🏻
I added the hat to my cart what is the next step ?