Dedicated to the revitalization of rare and vintage spirits and liqueurs, Tempus Fugit Spirits has once again reached back in time to develop Alessio Vermouths. Imported by Anchor Distilling Company, Alessio Vermouth di Torino Rosso and Alessio Vermouth Chinato embody classic Italian vermouths inspired by a true “Renaissance man,” Alessio Piemontese.
A 16th century Italian physician, alchemist, humanist, inventor and cartographer, Girolamo Ruscelli authored of The Secrets of Alexis of Piedmont in 1555 under the pseudonym “Alexius Pedemontanus” (Alexis of Piedmonte / Alessio Piemontese). This early manual of ancient curative recipes contained many formulas that were previously banned, hidden or lost by the Church during the Dark Ages, including several elixirs that are distinct ancestors to the herbal wine-tonic that later became known as vermouth. Alessio Vermouths are crafted by a master Vermuttista of Asti in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, the birthplace of sweet vermouth and the land from which Alessio Piemontese took as his name.
“Vermouth is being rediscovered not only as an indispensable ingredient in cocktails but also as a standalone drink in itself,” says David King, president of Anchor Distilling Company. “Alessio Vermouths deliver a quality rarely seen in the U.S. and should be widely embraced.”
Based on a classic di Torino recipe from the late 19th century, Alessio Vermouth di Torino Rosso is designed to be enjoyed as what was commonly called a “Vino di Lusso” (luxury wine), a wine thoroughly consumed on its own. Created with a fine Piedmont wine as the base, this authentic Vermouth di Torino contains both Grande and Petite Wormwood, along with over 25 other pharmaceutical-grade herbs, roots and spices. As a result, this vermouth offers a full mouth-feel that contributes weight to a cocktail, and lightly bitter but bright, refreshing citrus and herbal notes that lengthen the finish.
Alessio Vermouth Chinato is also based on a classic di Torino recipe from the late 19th century combined with the additional bittering of Cinchona bark and more than 25 other balancing herbs, including Grande and Petite Wormwood, and reflects an almost-lost style of bitter vermouth. The slightly lower ABV than the Vermouth di Torino Rosso helps highlight this Chinato vermouth’s backbone and aromatics, making it a complex alternative to sweet vermouth in cocktails as well as excellent on its own.
For more information on Tempus Fugit, visit AnchorDistilling.com.
