Black Walnut Vermouth

16% ABV / 750mL

Saison Aperitifs is a Melbourne-based small-batch aperitif producer founded by chef Dave Verheul, best known for his work at Embla. The range centres on vermouths and amari made from core seasonal ingredients and infused with botanicals that reflect the Australian seasons. Each expression starts with a base fortified wine (often Victorian moscato) and is built with foraged or locally grown elements, bittered with Australian wormwoods and aged using techniques drawn from Verheul’s culinary background. The resulting aperitifs lean fresher and lighter than many traditional European styles, with distinct, ingredient-driven flavour profiles that can be enjoyed neat, on ice, or in cocktails.

Black Walnut Vermouth is a small-batch vermouth that starts with Victorian moscato, infused with organic Victorian unripe walnuts and walnut leaves, then layered with cumquat, bay leaf, roasted barley koji and other botanicals. It’s bittered with Australian wormwoods and aged in ex-whisky French oak barrels for up to 18 months, giving it extra depth, savoury richness and oak complexity. Expect a distinctive, nutty and aromatic profile, making it well suited neat, over ice, or in cocktails where its dark, bitter and spiced character can shine.