Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) was founded in 2010 by award-winning author/critic/journalist/educator F. Paul Pacult, publishing executive and editor Sue Woodley, and consultant David Talbot. In 2013, editor/journalist Sean Ludford became a partner. For the past five years, UBC has operated Ultimate Wine Challenge (UWC) and Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC), which are acknowledged as being two of the world’s foremost annual international wine evaluation and competition events.
This issue we are featuring UBC’s 2015 top picks in the Bitter/Amaro and Vermouth categories.
BITTERS/AMARO
SCORE: 94
Foro Amaro
Italy, 30% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
Dark brown with amber highlights. The aromas are characterized by a blend of citrus fruits and dried herbs. Hints of burnt sugar arenot too sweet on the palate, followed by dried herbs with a clean bitter finish.
SCORE: 93
Ramazzotti Amaro
Italy, 30% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
SCORE: 92
Aromatique Bitters
Germany, 40% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
SCORE: 92
Breckenridge Bitters
United States, 36% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended, Tried & True
SCORE: 92
Fernet-Branca
Italy, 39% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
SCORE: 91
Nonino Quintessentia Amaro
Italy, 35% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
SCORE: 90
Cynar Bitters
Italy, 16.5% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
VERMOUTH
Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) was founded in 2010 by award-winning author/critic/journalist/educator F. Paul Pacult, publishing executive and editor Sue Woodley, and consultant David Talbot. In 2013, editor/journalist Sean Ludford became a partner. For the past five years, UBC has operated Ultimate Wine Challenge (UWC) and Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC), which are acknowledged as being two of the world’s foremost annual international wine evaluation and competition events.
SCORE: 94
Noilly Prat Rouge Vermouth
France, 16% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
Pretty medium brown/chestnut color. Aroma is a bouquet of dried and fresh herbs, roots, leaves and wine. Flavor profile offers richness, seductive bittersweet highlights. Long, succulent finish. Superb.
SCORE: 93
Cinzano 1757 Sweet Vermouth
Italy, 16% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
SCORE: 93
Noilly Prat Extra Dry Vermouth
France, 18% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
SCORE: 92
Punt e Mes Vermouth
Italy, 16% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
SCORE: 91
Martini and Rossi Rosso (Sweet) Vermouth
Italy, 15% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
SCORE: 91
Noilly Prat Ambré Sweet Vermouth
France, 16% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
SCORE: 91
Riserva Carlo Alberto Red Vermouth
Italy, 18% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended