The Negroni

• • Packaging may vary

  Campari Bitters (700ml)

  Milan, ITALY

  $48. 99

  Bottle

  $587.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 25%

  Closure: Screw Cap

  Like most liqueur / aperitif producers, the Campari company considers its recipe as the key to its ongoing success. Consequently, secrecy is paramount. The complete recipe, kept in a bank vault, is known only to the company's President who overseas weekly production. With worldwide annual sales now exceeding tens of millions bottles, this cautionary attitude is perhaps understandable. What is known is that it contains quinine, ginseng, orange peel, herbs and rhubarb that are steeped in a mixture of water and alcohol. The drink is then coloured with cochineal. It's typically served very cold without ice but with a dash of soda to release the flavours.

  Other reviews...Light red color. Dark berries and spice on the nose. A smooth attack leads to a somewhat sweet, medium-to full-bodied palate with ripe and tart black cherry and dark fruit flavors that give way to a barrage of extremely bitter herb and fruit pit elements that dominate the back palate and linger as the fruity sweetness dissipates. A complex and dynamic aperitif that could use a mixing element to calm down the bitterness.
  International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
  93 points (Exceptional) tastings.com

  Cherry-red color. Nose is snappy and expectedly bitter in a woodsy, earthy, quinine-like way. Palate entry is mild in a sweet-sour fruity manner; midpalate is sweet and only moderately bitter. Finishes long and mildly quinine-like. While I’m not a bitters aficionado (more a bitter aficionado, really), Campari and orange do positively click. I’m savvy enough to know when not to argue with 58 million Italians. 80-84 points - www.wineenthusiast.com

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• • 95

  Carpano Antica Formula 1786 Red Vermouth (1000ml)

  Torino, ITALY

  $69. 99

  Bottle

  $839.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 16.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Drinks writer, David A.Embury stresses that a cocktail will never be any better than the quality of the cheapest ingredient in it, and hence he proselytizes constantly for the highest quality spirits, liqueurs, cordials, and modifiers (fresh squeezed lemons, etc.) It's a philosophy we completely agree with. At Nicks Wine Merchants, we take great pride in our amazing collection of the best spirits and liqueurs from all corners of the world. However, good quality Sweet Vermouth has remained elusive, that is until we discovered Antica Formula. Bearing the name of the Italian distiller, Antonio Carpano the man most famous for inventing Vermouth, this is arguably the finest example of the style available today - an artisan product, produced in tiny quantities from the very finest ingredients.

  To use a frank analogy - to go to the effort of making a great cocktail that requires sweet vermouth, without using Antica Formula is like wearing thongs with a tuxedo. Classic cocktails such as the Manhattan, Negroni, Bronx or Corpse Reviver will be taken to new heights, while its bitter-sweet balance and generous, silky mouthfeel, means it can also be consumed neat as an aperitif or with desserts. A large measure with soda and ice gives a sarsparilla like experience. The only limit is your imagination.
  The Vermouth comes beautifully packaged in a one litre, mouth blown, individually numbered glass bottle.  

  Tasting note: Burnt sienna brown colour with gold ochre hue. Inviting nose of liquorice, dried citrus peel, cinnamon, and clove. A sophisticated Sarsaparilla! The palate is a joy. A rich velvety texture delivers initially sweet flavours; aniseed, portello, cinnamon sugar and spicy fruit cake, before the palate turns and takes on a slightly bitter character driven by orange marmalade and warm spice which persists into the very long aftertaste. Retains its freshness throughout and achieves the bitter/sweet balancing act with impeccable poise. A classic. 16.5% Alc./Vol.

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• • 96

  Cocchi Dopo Teatro Amaro Vermouth (750ml)

  Cocconato d'Asti, ITALY

  $69. 99

  Bottle

  $839.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 16%

  This wine based Amaro is flavoured with wormwood, rhubarb and quassia wood amongst other ingredients, plus a double infusion of quina. "Dopo Teatro" means 'after theatre' and references the Piedmont tradition of concluding the evening with a chilled Amaro.

  Tasting note: Deep sienna brown with a gold ochre hue. Captivates from the first pass which yields quinine over herbal tea, green wood and hints of sarsaparilla. Carries through in the mouth with svelte like texture and flavours including cinnamon, ginger bread and hints of herbal tea. More clove and old tawny-port like to finish. Gently bitter accents at the fade. Perfect balance. Make a place for this in your next Negroni. 16% Alc./Vol.

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• • 89

  Maidenii Sweet Vermouth (750ml)

  Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $47. 99

  Bottle

  $575.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 16%

  Closure: Cork

  Maidenii Vermouth is a collaboration between French wine maker Gilles Lapalus and Australian bartender Shaun Byrne. In the creation of Maidenii they have sourced leaves, flowers, fruits, herbs, seeds, spices and roots from the gardens of both the old world and the new. The vital components, wormwood and wine, are plucked fresh from Victoria. Other key ingredients include strawberry gum, river mint, sea parsley and wattle seed.

  Shaun has been tinkering behind the bar of Melbourne martini haven Gin Palace for over 5 years. This has helped him nurture his interest in capturing and enhancing natural flavours, arising in house-made concoctions and a sophisticated understanding of palates.

  Born of a French wine family, Gilles has wine flowing through his veins. He crossed the globe to take over the position of Winemaker at the dynamic Sutton Grange Winery.

  The two were bought together by their love of Vermouth; Gilles bringing with him the traditional alchemy of pastoral Europe to complement Shaun’s knowledge of the vibrant food and drink culture of Australia’s young cities.

  Tasting note: Bright crimson / cherry appearance. Moderate aroma issues an attractive combination of citrus peel and black fruits with subtle herbaceous undertones. A soft, silky entry is followed by a light to medium bodied mid palate with semi sweet flavours of blood orange and sweet spices. Finish is gently acidic and cleansing - certainly not overly sweet by any measure. Nicely balanced. Concludes with refreshing grape fruit and dried berry notes followed by a gently bitter fade. A welcome entry into a category that of late has become excessively sweet. 16% Alc./Vol.

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• • 94

  • Reduced

  Patient Wolf Premium Dry Gin (700ml)

  Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  Reduced from $85.99

  $59. 99

  Bottle

  $719.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 41.5%

  A premium, small batch Aussie gin priced to rival mass produced brands like Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire. Offer holds for March only.

  A vision for a new gin distillery in Brunswick began to take shape after "a few too many negronis at a local bar". As disciples of the craft movement, proprietors, Dave Irwin and Matt Argus wanted to keep it small-scale and local. They waited three years for their custom made, 230 litre Muller copper still to arrive from Germany. It uses a new technology which increases copper contact with the spirit to produce a more pure and aromatic distillate. The team also sought advice from Master Distiller, Anders Bilgram from Nordisk Branderi distillery in Denmark. "We knew we were getting closer to our final recipe, and that we were onto something, when Anders started requesting larger samples to be sent across the other side of the world." Ten botanicals were finally selected out of around one hundred that were tested. The first release of Patient Wolf sold out in a matter of days via a crowd-funding website. Batches have been rolling out ever since. Most botanicals are steeped overnight, including juniper, coriander seeds, cubeb pepper, orris root and tonka beans (native to South America). Ruby grapefruit and aniseed myrtle are infused in a botanical basket.

  We tasted the second batch back in 2017, and by all reports, the boys have only further refined their craft. Patient Wolf opens with powerful aromas evoking orris and liquorice root over hints of black pepper. Exposure accents coriander, grapefruit, juniper and ups the freshness. The palate is silky on entry, leading into a viscous, pure, gently warming profile with creamy orris root, sage and coriander followed by a burst of piney juniper to finish. There's a subtle aftertaste of aniseed and white pepper. All up, it's a lively, interesting and cleverly composed contemporary gin that strikes a balance between traditional London Dry and New World styles. You could even say it's "Quintessentially Melbourne". 41.5% Alc./Vol.

  Notes from the producers... Bright citrus of ruby grapefruit and fresh juniper are delicately balanced with subtle spice of aniseed myrtle, cubeb pepper, and tonka beans. Bold, complex and aromatic. A perfectly balanced Melbourne gin that will stand tall in drinks. It makes an incredible G&T with ruby grapefruit. Or try a Negroni or Martini.

  Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021

  Gold Medal - Australian Gin Awards 2019

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• • 91
  • 96

  Plymouth Gin (700ml)

  Plymouth, UNITED KINGDOM

  $74. 99

  Bottle

  $899.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 41.2%

  Since 1793, Plymouth Gin has been handcrafted at England’s oldest working Gin distillery, Black Friars in Plymouth. The distillery was formerly a Dominican Monastery and the final lodgings of the Pilgrim Fathers before they set sail to the New World in 1620. The 'Mayflower' sailing ship, as well as the monk continue to be represented on the label to this day. The first documented modern Martini recipe actually specified Plymouth Gin. It appeared in 1896 in Stuart's Fancy Drinks & How to Mix them. Plymouth has since gained a popular following, becoming a favourite of such 20th century figures as Franklin D.Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Alfred Hitchcock and Ian Fleming. Plymouth Gin owes its distinctive taste to a blend of ingredients that avoid the use of too much juniper or bitter botanicals, thus giving it a remarkably smooth, integrated palate. Water from the nearby hills of Dartmoor is sourced for its crystal clear purity. The result is a lighter bodied style with fabulous intensity and well balanced botanical flavours.

  Tasting note: Clear as rainwater appearance. Offers delightful, lifted scents of fresh citrus peel and juniper over hints of black peppercorn and coriander. A water like entry builds into a juniper/citrus mid palate with lively peppers adding depth and length. Slightly oily mouthfeel. Ends with authentic coriander and citrus peel like freshness with the peppers persisting. Beautifully balanced gin with the depth and presence required for great martinis. 42.1% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews... The full bodied, spicy aroma offers delicate notes of juniper berry oil, citrus, orris, coriander and caraway seed. Palate entry is mildly peppery, floral and fruity; at midpalate the flavor profile focuses more on oils and juniper. A unique and great gin.  96-100 points  41.2% Alc./Vol.
  - wineenthusiast.com
  Voted Best Gin, BBC Good Food Magazine 2002
  Double Gold Winner, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2001
  Best White Spirit, International Wine & Spirit Competition 2000

  ...
  'What makes Plymouth Gin good is its complexity, its richness of flavour and richness of presence in the mouth - it's just a great drink' - Dave Broom, U.K. Drinks Journalist.

  'It's that smell. It is fabulous. It's got a really lovely junipery quality. But you can also actually feel the other rooty, earthy sort of flavourings in there. And when you come to taste it, it's soft, it's quite a strong spirit,...but it's round and it doesn't attack you at all. It's a very nice gin indeed. Good with tonic I'd say.'
  - Jilly Goolden, BBC Food & Drink programme

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• Applewood Distillery Red Okar Australian Bitters (500ml)

  AUSTRALIA

  $39. 99

  Bottle

  $479.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 26%

  Apart from crafting fine Whisky and Gin, Applewood Distillery, located in South Australia's Adealide Hills also dabble in experimental small-batch distilling - be it diluting Gin with Saké, torpedo-ing it with Lavender, smoking barley grain with Applewood or re-inventing refreshing 'old world' classics like this local take on Amaro.

   

  The label takes a phonetic spin on the word 'Ochre' and is inspired by the bitter/herbal aperitifs which have been popular for centuries in Europe, like Aperol or Campari.
  "It just so happens" add Applewood, "that seemingly - 90% of all native Australian botanicals are also intensely bitter. Probably something to do with the harshness of our climate - and one native ingredient stood head-and-shoulders above the rest when it came to Økar - Riberries. Otherwise known as Lilly Pilly. Historians have noted that indigenous Australians used to use these as a form of 'candy' - although contemporary palates might be surprised! The Riberry's cranberry-tartness, hints of clove and bark-like bitterness make it well-suited for an Australian aperitif."

   

  Other reviews... The Red Okar is stronger, bolder, more bitter, with a lifted, herbal, eucalypt perfume; the Okar is lighter, softer, with citrusy, almost pink grapefruit character. Both the liquids were cloudy: Brendan Carter tells me he’s still fine tuning the recipe and ultimately aims to make them crystal clear; the flavour is not affected, only the aesthetic appeal.
  - Max Allen, The Australian, Jan 16, 2016

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• • 95

  Brokers 47% London Dry Gin (700ml)

  Birmingham, London, UNITED KINGDOM

  $69. 99

  Bottle

  $839.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 47%

  Broker's Gin was created by Martin and Andy Dawson, two English brothers who saw an opportunity for a new premium brand, and combined seriously good gin with an element of English humour. This light-hearted approach has proved successful and today Brokers is not only distributed all over the world, but has become the gin of choice at No.10 Downing Street and the London Stock Exchange. (The special bottle design with the familiar bowler hat is worn in honour of London stockbrokers, and led to the companies tag line, “Don't Forget Your Hat!”)

  The distillery is located near Birmingham, England and is over 200 years old with an underground spring beneath the building providing a source of soft, pure water. There had previously been a brewery on the site, but this was converted to a distillery at a time when gin-making became more profitable than beer-making. Broker's use only traditional pot stills manufactured by John Dore & Co, (recognised as the finest still-maker in the world), rather than column stills. Pot stills better extract maximum flavour from the botanicals. The base for Broker's Gin is triple-distilled pure grain spirit made from English wheat. Flavour is provided by ten natural botanicals, the primary one of which is juniper berries. Other dried botanicals including Coriander seed, Orris root Nutmeg, Cassia bark, Cinnamon, Liquorice, Orange peel, Lemon peel and Angelica root are sourced from all over the world and shipped to the distillery in sacks. The botanicals are steeped (soaked ) in the base spirit in the still for 24 hours. This is the first part of the flavour-infusion process. The still is then fired up for the final, fourth distillation, completing the process.

  Amongst many other commendations, Broker’s Gin received a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2005 and the Platinum Award at the World Beverage Competition in 2006.

  Tasting note: Crystal clear. Generous, round and very appealing opening bouquet of lemon sorbet over ripe juniper, hints of pine cone and pencil shavings. More sap like and piney with further air contact; hints of eucalyptus alternate with fresh citrus zest. A great gin sniff. Super clean, wonderfully controlled delivery shows exceptional softness and poise, with a supple, juniper, lemon and herb profile and a pepper accented fade showing solid length. Finish is fresh, zesty, citrussy and moreish. Outstanding. 47% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews...Scents of lemon zest, coriander and orris root. In the mouth, it has the proper level of alcohol for gin, 94 proof; by midpalate, the firmly focused flavor profile features lemon zest and coriander, all buttressed by a buttery, creamy texture. Finishes long, semisweet, tangy and luscious. 47% Alc./Vol.
  Rating: 90-95 points - www.wineenthusiast.comsize>

  
  
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• • Nick's Import

  Campari Bitters (1000ml)

  Milan, ITALY

  $64. 99

  Bottle

  $779.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 28.5%

  Large format, 28.5% Alc./Vol. When you factor in the higher alcohol, it adds something extra to the deal - and to the flavour. (The regular ABV is 25%. Yes, a little more can make a significant difference).
  
  Like most liqueur / aperitif producers, the Campari company considers its recipe as the key to its ongoing success. Consequently, secrecy is paramount. The complete recipe, kept in a bank vault, is known only to the company's President who oversees weekly production. With worldwide annual sales now exceeding tens of millions bottles, this cautionary attitude is perhaps understandable. What is known is that it contains quinine, ginseng, orange peel, herbs and rhubarb that are steeped in a mixture of water and alcohol. The drink is then coloured with cochineal. It's typically served very cold without ice but with a dash of soda to release the flavours. Only while direct import European stocks last.

  Other reviews... Light red color. Dark berries and spice on the nose. A smooth attack leads to a somewhat sweet, medium-to full-bodied palate with ripe and tart black cherry and dark fruit flavors that give way to a barrage of extremely bitter herb and fruit pit elements that dominate the back palate and linger as the fruity sweetness dissipates. A complex and dynamic aperitif that could use a mixing element to calm down the bitterness. International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
  93 points (Exceptional) tastings.com

  Cherry-red color. Nose is snappy and expectedly bitter in a woodsy, earthy, quinine-like way. Palate entry is mild in a sweet-sour fruity manner; midpalate is sweet and only moderately bitter. Finishes long and mildly quinine-like. While I’m not a bitters aficionado (more a bitter aficionado, really), Campari and orange do positively click. I’m savvy enough to know when not to argue with 58 million Italians. 80-84 points - www.wineenthusiast.com

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