Belsazar Dry Vermouth (750ml)

Based on the Gutedel grape variety (better known as Chasselas), this aromatic and super-dry vermouth uses two types of wormwood in a botanical bill that also includes apple, cinchona, fennel, cardamom and lemon peel. Fortified with a touch of Schladerer's peach eau-de-vie, lending a pleasant fruity note, this weighs in at a lean 28 grams/litre (less than Noilly Prat and Dolin for example). It's genuinely dry and yet it's also textured and vinous, making it nicely versatile and user-friendly; from apéritifs through to the classics. Try it with tonic or shake up 25ml with 50ml Dodd's gin or Poor Toms Fool Strength for a cracking boozy Martini where this vermouth really stretches the flavour.

Tasting note: Pale brass gold. Fresh, bittersweet aromas of gentian, dried apricot, crushed grapes, herbal tea and citrus zest. Follows through with a delicately tart, light bodied profile including hints of quinine, lemon peel and oxidised wine. Ends bone dry, faintly bitter, cleansing. Easily the driest vermouth we've tasted. 19% Alc./Vol.