Review: Sacred English Vermouths

This range of three English vermouths is elegant, sophisticated, and particularly apt to concoct your wintery libations.

Hailing from London’s Sacred Distillery in Highgate, this lineup of three vermouths is made with wine from English producer Three Choirs in Gloucestershire.

Sacred English Dry Vermouth (21.8%)

Sacred's dry expression is made in collaboration with Alessandro Palazzi of Dukes Bar, London, and flavoured with thyme, cloves and wormwood.

There’s lots of citrus and stone fruit (apricot and peach) on the nose, while the palate is mostly led by flavours of citrus and winter spices. Its ideal partner is gin, in a wintery Martini.

Sacred English Amber Vermouth (21.8%)

The nose reminds of an oxidised-style Sherry, but with added ripe stone fruit and vanilla character. It has a moderate sweetness, with fragrant orange peel notes leading the palate. In line with the brand’s advice, this is best served on the rocks as an aperitif, but in my opinion, it can also make interesting Martinis or work as a valid alternative to Oloroso in a Sherry Cobbler – just remember to dial down the PX a little as this vermouth carries some sweetness.

Sacred English Spiced Vermouth (18%)

As the name suggests, this is the spiciest of the lot, made with wormwood, thyme, sweet orange, cinnamon and cloves. The wormwood note is very present, complementing warming aromas of cola and black pepper. The palate is rich yet balanced. Perfect for punchy Negronis or Manhattans.

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All Sacred English Vermouths are available through Sacred Gin's website at £18.95 per 50cl bottle.