Vermouth is a fortified wine, the fortification referring to a distilled spirit that has been added to increase the alcohol content and prevent secondary fermentation. Over time, different cultures have developed different styles of fortified wine, the most famous being port, sherry, madeira, marsala, and perhaps most importantly, vermouth. Fortified wines have been consumed for several thousands of years, and there are recipes for infusing white wine dating back to ancient Greece. Even then, wormwood was a popular ingredient based on the belief that it was effective at treating stomach complaints; it was perhaps the original digestive drink.

Vermouth is named after its principle flavouring, the herb wormwood (the name "vermouth" is the French pronunciation of the German word “wermut”), and fortified wines containing wormwood as the principal ingredient existed in Germany from around the 16th century. They were flavoured with a variety of flowers, seeds, roots, barks, herbs and spices. The process starts with a base of red or white wine, to which is added a neutral spirit, a mixture of dry flavourings, and finally a sweetener that can be sugar, caramel or even syrup.

The modern versions of vermouth that have become popular were first produced in 18th century in Milan and Turin and served as an apéritif in fashionable cafés. In the late 19th century it became popular with bartenders as a key ingredient for cocktails such as the Martini and the Negroni. In addition to being consumed as an apéritif or cocktail ingredient, vermouth is sometimes used as an alternative to white wine in cooking, especially fish dishes.

Historically, there have been two main types of vermouth: sweet and dry. Responding to demand and competition, vermouth manufacturers have created additional styles, including extra-dry white, sweet white, red and rosé.

Unlike these vermouths, LONGITUDE AMSTERDAM liberates the drink from this ‘traditional’ format. We aim to give our vermouth a sense of terroir. All of our vermouths begin with a base of red, white or rosé wine, the corresponding sweetener, and wormwood. We then strip down the taste experience to the precise herbs and spices found in each of the Dutch spice trading posts founded by the VOC (Dutch East India Company) as the oceans were opened up for global trade.

We offer a totally Dutch organic product. We use organic natural wines and now utilise organic alcohol to make our tinctures. Our vermouths begin with wines made at Wijngaard Dassemus, Chaam, N.Brabant. The vineyard is managed naturally and is certified organic. The vines grow in a natural environment without further intervention from any chemical agents.

To use the old phrase;

“Things that grow together, go together”