Punt e Mes Vermouth

Distinctive, complex and utterly iconic, Punt e Mes is the legendary bittersweet vermouth from Carpano, crafted in Turin since the 19th century. Balancing rich sweetness with a point-and-a-half of herbal bitterness, it’s a bartender’s favourite—an essential ingredient for timeless and modern cocktails alike.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Golden amber with topaz tones, Punt e Mes opens with aromas of orange peel, tobacco, and warming spice. The palate is velvety and layered—notes of honey, vanilla, and cherries give way to wormwood, cinchona, and clove bitterness. Smooth yet assertive, it finishes long, herbal, and delicately sweet-bitter in perfect harmony.

Key Details

• Producer: Fratelli Branca – Carpano
• Type: Red (Rosso) Vermouth
• Region: Turin, Italy
• Alcohol: 16%
• Volume: 750 ml
• Serve: Neat with orange peel or as a base for classic cocktails – MITO, Manhattan & Negroni

Craftsmanship & Story

Created in 1870 by the famed Carpano distillery—pioneers of the world’s first sweet vermouth—Punt e Mes was born from a Turin stockbroker’s offhand request for a vermouth with “a point and a half” more bitterness. Today, under the guardianship of Fratelli Branca Distillerie, the recipe remains unchanged: a blend of fortified wine, alpine botanicals, and citrus peel, aged to achieve the perfect equilibrium of sweetness and bitterness. The result is a uniquely Italian expression that bridges history and modern mixology with effortless style.

Special Features

A singular blend of over 30 herbs and spices, Punt e Mes captures the aromatic complexity that defines Italian aperitivo culture. Its dual nature—sweet and bitter, elegant and bold—makes it both a refined sipping vermouth and a versatile cornerstone for world-class cocktails.

Recognition & Accolades

Celebrated by bartenders and critics worldwide, Punt e Mes continues to be recognised for its craftsmanship, heritage, and unrivalled balance.

• 5/5 Points – Good Food (BBC)
• Gold – 2018 International Spirits Challenge (Vermouth)
• Gold – Bartender Spirits Awards
• Gold – 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• 96 Points – CellarTracker
• Best Semi-Sweet Vermouth in the World – 2020 World Vermouth Awards
• 93/100 Points – Wine Enthusiast
• Silver – 2019 International Spirits Challenge (Vermouth)

Its global acclaim cements Punt e Mes as a cornerstone of Italian vermouth tradition and a symbol of mixological excellence.

Cocktail Pairings

Bittersweet and aromatic, Punt e Mes transforms cocktails with its bold balance of orange peel, cinchona, and spice. Substitute it for sweet vermouth in a Negroni or Boulevardier for a drier, more complex twist. In a Manhattan or Rob Roy, it lends a deeper herbal edge that complements rye or peated whisky. Explore modern classics like the Red Hook (rye & maraschino) or Chocolate Negroni (dark crème de cacao & Campari). Served neat over ice with orange peel, it is equally captivating on its own as an aperitif.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

An icon of Italian aperitivo heritage and a favourite among bartenders, Punt e Mes is ideal for the curious spirit lover or cocktail enthusiast looking to elevate their home bar with a touch of Turin tradition.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.