Commanding, Assertive, IMPERATIVE!

Among a bunch of various things I do is slangin' a little wine and food on weekends at Vancouver's Bar Gobo, a natural wine bar my buddy Peter Van de Reep runs for the Burdock & Co. crew.

A couple weeks back when we were setting up, Rich from Massey Wines + Spirits spun by on his bike to offer a quick splash of vermouth. Oh, man - did that quick swirl and sip start out the evening right.

Imperative Dry Vermouth is a collaboration by Vancouver Island's Rathjen Cellars and Ampersand Distilling Co., both of which are awesome to begin with. 

Per their site:

Imperative is made from Ortega and Petite Milo grapes grown organically on the Saanich Peninsula blended with organic & wild harvested botanicals including wormwood from Ampersand's farm, roasted dandelion root, cardamom, marjoram & orange peel.

This stuff BLOOMS on the palate with a citrusy, floral character (Orange! Pomelo! Jasmine! Honeysuckle!) that also carries a good lick of sweet mint; more spearmint than peppermint IMHO. Super amiable stuff. The pretty cardamom character keeps it grounded with a hint of spice, allowing those lighter, more fragrant elements to be lifted to lofty heights. You don't need anything with it, either. I wouldn't even bother with a garnish.

Glass. Ice. Full stop.

A nice way of finishing your afternoon or starting your evening; it'll certainly dazzle any guests. If it sounds like your kinda thing, I can pretty much guarantee you'll love it. You can order it on their site, or - here in Vancouver - nab some at Liberty Commercial Drive or Legacy Liquor Store.