David Coggins wrote that “to get ahead we need to take advantage of all angles” and what doesn’t work in society as a whole does work with spirits. I find that the Gin in a Negroni makes very subtle differences unless you have a light sweet vermouth, and Campari, is, well, Campari, the difference comes from the sweet end of the spectrum of taste, at least it does for me. Finding this out after much thought and practical testing of Negroni drinking after buying my first ever non martini Rosso sweet vermouth. I had unwittingly opened Pandora's Box. I believe I am now on five and counting, not that I haven’t tried some vintages whilst visiting bars. I have found a couple of favourites and love an English vermouth, mostly as they are moving into more spices and botanicals like a gin, it is a true learning curve and brings a freshness to the classic spirit.
I will of course continue to experiment but feel my obsession of buying every different one I see needs to be held back, if not for my sake then that of my poor shelf.
