Post #736899 by Atomic Tiki Punk on Sun, Feb 8, 2015 2:08 AM

wizzard419, yes that is a problem unless you can talk to an old time bartender who remembers the exact brands
the good news is many of those brands are still available.

But if you look in many vintage cocktail books, they only designate Italian or French Vermouth and not a brand name
most of the time.

Noilly Prat Vermouth from France was a popular brand in Bars from the 30s to the 70s
in the 1960s they introduced an American formulation geared to American tastes (not yellow of color & less floral tasting)
because of the popularity of the Martini then (Thanks Mr. Bond!) this American version was phased out in 2009
and today's version is what Europe has had for many decades now.

kkocka, keep that old bottle of Vermouth & compare it to a new bottle
to see the difference in taste, when not stored right.

You can still drink it, but it is like drinking wine that is old & vinegary
especially true with Sweet Vermouth.