Frequently asked questions
Is Asterley Bros vermouth suitable for beginners?
Yes, and the best starting point depends on what the drinker usually enjoys. If they drink gin already, SCHOFIELD'S dry vermouth is a natural next step because it shares some of gin's aromatic character without demanding the same intensity. If they drink spritzes or lower-ABV drinks, the GOOSEBERRY SPRITZ at 11% ABV is designed to be approachable straight from the bottle with soda added.
What is the difference between English and Italian vermouth?
English vermouth producers generally work with a lighter touch on sweetness and oxidation than the classical Italian tradition, resulting in a style that reads as closer to the base wine. ESTATE, Asterley's sweet vermouth, is a clear example of this English approach, offering the aromatic complexity of a red vermouth without the raisiny, heavy quality that some drinkers find off-putting in Italian rosso expressions.
How should I serve DISPENSE, the Modern British Amaro?
DISPENSE works best in three serve styles. Served neat after dinner at room temperature, it functions as a digestif, with the bitterness arriving slowly alongside warming sweetness from vanilla and stone fruit. In a Negroni, it functions as the bitter component alongside gin and sweet vermouth. In an Old Fashioned variation, a barspoon of DISPENSE adds botanical complexity without disrupting the whiskey base.
Is Asterley Bros suitable for people who do not drink bitter spirits?
The range includes multiple non-bitter options. SCHOFIELD'S is floral and aromatic rather than bitter. The GOOSEBERRY SPRITZ is light and fruit-forward. ASTERLEY ORIGINAL British Aperitivo is bright and approachable with a citrus-led bitterness rather than the deep, medicinal bitterness of an amaro. None of these drinks requires prior bitter-palate experience.
Does Asterley Bros offer vegan-friendly options?
Yes. All Asterley Bros spirits are vegan-friendly, confirmed by the producer. The range uses bentonite, a mineral clay, for clarification rather than animal-derived fining agents such as isinglass, gelatin or egg white. This applies across the entire product range, including DISPENSE, ESTATE, SCHOFIELD'S and all other expressions.
What is the best way to introduce someone to vermouth for the first time?
The clearest path is a spritz serve with SCHOFIELD'S, tonic and a citrus garnish, served over ice in a large wine glass. The floral, low-bitterness profile of the dry vermouth combined with the dilution and bubbles makes it a gentle introduction that does not require any prior knowledge of the category. The GOOSEBERRY SPRITZ is an even more direct option for a first encounter, given its ready-to-serve format and 11% ABV.