Storing and serving vermouth

While vermouth has a far longer shelf life than wine, due to its relatively low alcohol content (14.5% - 22% alc./vol.), it will begin to oxidise (go off) once it's been opened and so exposed to the air, so please:

1. Vermouth with screw-caps or stoppers should be stored upright in a cool, dry place. Vermouths with a driven cork (require a corkscrew to open) should be stored lying on their side to ensure the vermouth stays in contact with the cork.

2. Refrigerate before and after opening.

3. Once open, refrigeration will help extend a vermouth's life, but don't keep it for more than six weeks.

4. As with wine, once open, consider using a wine preserver such as inert gas or a device that removes air from the bottle.

5. Enjoy vermouth on its own in a wine glass, served over ice, or in a mixed drink or cocktail.