Saison Aperitifs Spring Rhubarb (2024)

REGION: Melbourne, VIC
SIZE: 750ml / ABV: 17.5%

Two different farmers (both named Jo) grow the aforementioned rhubarb, which brings a pink and vibrant punch to this spring-loaded release. It’s infused fresh into a moscato base wine, along with magnolia, lavender, and violet blossoms. It’s then bittered using two Australian wormwoods and aged resting on even more rhubarb, roasted this time, and fresh lilac flowers. The infusions of raw rhubarb bring a bright sourness, while the cooked stalks bring that sweet and comforting familiarity. We grew up on mum’s stewed rhubarb. This is that, just with booze.

The seasonal vermouths from Dave Verheul's 'Saison' range need no introduction. Dave has been hand-making his fine, gastronomic vermouths for a few years now - initially in the kitchen of his Melbourne restaurant Embla, and more recently in his own vermouthery.