Noilly Prat Rouge Sweet Vermouth (75cl, 16%)

Noilly Prat Rouge is a sweet French vermouth from La Maison Noilly Prat, based in the port of Marseillan on the Mediterranean coast. It is made with 29 herbs and spices gathered from around the world, among them sweet orange from Spain, cinnamon from Sri Lanka, cinchona bark from Ecuador, cloves from Madagascar and cocoa beans from Venezuela. The vermouth is aged in oak barrels in Marseillan, where the casks are exposed to wind, rain, sun and sea spray. It is served as an aperitif, alongside charcuterie or a chocolate dessert, and works well in a Manhattan. The palate is approachable and free of grippy bitterness, with spicy notes of saffron, cloves and cocoa.