Carpano Punt e Mes

A drink born on an April day in 1870.

In the second half of the 18th century, Antonio Benedetto Carpano, a Turin-based Wine shop owner, was studying to be a herbalist. In 1786, he discovered a formula which combined herbs and spices with Muscatel, a type of Wine made from Muscat grapes. This same formula was to become the basis for Vermouth products. Since Carpano’s Wine shop sat just opposite the Royal Palace, Carpano made sure a crate of Vermouth was sent to King Vittorio Amedeo III who absolutely loved it and immediately included it in the royal household collection. Vermouth became a popular drink and Fabbrica di Liquori e Vermut Giuseppe Carpano went from local Wine shop to a factory that survived all the highs and lows of the 19th and 20th century. In 2001, it was officially acquired by Branca Company.

The story goes that Carpano Punt e Mes was born in April of 1870 when a stockbroker ordered his usual Carpano Vermouth in the Carpano Wine shop but asked to add half a measure of bitter with the regional expression “Punt e Mes”. He was quite the trendsetter as the drink soon became a popular Aperitif and everybody started drinking it. This sweet sipper will bring you intriguing accents of orange and the distinct bitterness of quina. It performs great just served straight with a slice of orange peel but you can also use it as base for cocktails such as the Manhattan.