Carpano Antica 50ml

Experience a taste of vermouth royalty with Carpano Antica Formula in this perfectly portioned 50ml miniature. This sample size offers an ideal introduction to the legendary sweet vermouth that has set standards since 1786, allowing exploration of premium Italian aperitif culture without full bottle commitment. For curious cocktail enthusiasts or those seeking to understand why bartenders obsess over quality vermouth, this small bottle delivers big flavor and historical significance. Even in miniature form, Carpano Antica Formula maintains its prestigious heritage. This is the original vermouth recipe from Antonio Benedetto Carpano, who invented the category in Turin. The complex formula includes over 30 botanicals, with vanilla and saffron creating its distinctive profile. The wine base uses carefully selected Italian grapes, while aging in Slavonian oak adds depth. This same legendary liquid fills every bottle from miniatures to magnums, ensuring authentic experience regardless of size. The tasting experience from 50ml proves why Carpano Antica commands premium prices. The deep amber color hints at complexity within. The nose immediately distinguishes itself—rich vanilla mingles with dried herbs, orange peel, and exotic spices. On the palate, Antica reveals its sophistication. Initial sweetness brings vanilla and caramel notes, quickly balanced by complex bitterness from wormwood and gentian. The wine base provides structure while botanicals create layers—saffron adds exotic notes, dates and figs from aging appear, while herbs provide backbone. Mid-palate brings remarkable depth with chocolate hints, cherry notes, and mysterious spices. The finish extends with perfect sweet-bitter balance and lingering complexity. This miniature size allows experimentation in cocktails where Antica transforms ordinary drinks—Manhattans become transcendent, Negronis gain sophistication. It's enough to understand why serious bartenders insist on quality vermouth.