Vermouth / Aperitif

A uniquely Japanese interpretation of a classic sweet red vermouth crafted by the Tsutsumi Distillery in the Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan. It is made from a Junmai sake base and fortified with 100% rice-based shochu, before being infused with botanicals such as yomogi (Japanese mugwort), yuzu, kabosu (a high acid citrus fruit), sansho peppercorn, and ume (Japanese green plum), and then sweetened with Okinawan cane sugar. The result is a profile richer and more robust than the drier, flagship Bermutto with aromas of stewed cherry, orange peel, brown sugar, and wood spice. The palate is bright and acidic with the kabosu and yomogi notably dialed up, lending notes of black tea, tart cherry, and citrus zest; the ume is prominent throughout, providing subtle marzipan and oxidized fruit notes similar to umeshu (Japanese plum liqueur). Bottled at 18% abv. 

•A uniquely Japanese interpretation of vermouth crafted by the Tsutsumi Distillery in the Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan

•Made from a Junmai sake base and fortified with 100% rice-based shochu

•Full botanical list includes yomogi (Japanese mugwort), yuzu, kabosu (a high-acid citrus fruit), and sansho peppercorn

The nose is fruity and yeasty with notes of grapefruit, peach, guava, lavender, and plum; on the palate, the sake base is immediately evident with bass notes of rice, yeast, and faint plum. Yuzu and sansho peppercorn brighten things up, while an undercurrent of yomogi provides earthy grapefruit from beginning to end.

Bermutto, a Japanese phonetic spelling of vermouth, is a novel take on the classic fortified wine using Japanese botanicals. Use this as a functional substitute or addition to dry vermouth or dry sherry to add new depth to cocktails, or try it in a Sonic highball with soda water and tonic!