Wicked Soul – Contratto Fernet

I do love Amaros, so I am very happy to try out a new Fernet. On top of that, I had an atypical vermouth to sample as well. So, I came up with a weird drink featuring both – and Träkal…

The Contratto Fernet uses 33 botanicals in its recipe. First, the botanicals are crushed with a hammer mill. Afterwards, Contratto steeps the ingredients in a mixture of alcohol and water for 35 days. Next, the extracts are mixed with water, alcohol as well as sugar and chill-filtered. The Fernet ages for 40 days in stainless steel tanks and is bottled at 30 % ABV.

Smooth, but typical Fernet notes

The Contratto starts with a lot of mint notes. They are quickly accompanied by eucalyptus and other typical Fernet flavours. Yet, the bitterness is well balanced and does not overwhelm the taste. You will notice some sweetness, but it is kept in check quite well by the spicy characteristics.

Uhudler and Träkal

Overall, the drink I came up with using the Contratto Fernet might be a distant relative of the Hanky Panky. As a vermouth I used the Freimeister Kollektiv Uhudler Vermouth. They produce it from the once forbidden grape variety with the same name. Instead of gin I went for Träkal, but I also wanted some citrus notes and therefore I added a bit of cedro eau de vie. The bitters just seemed to fit the strawberry like flavours of the Uhudler grape.

The ‘Wicked Soul’ starts with a combination of botanicals (similar to a gin cocktail) with Fernet and vermouth notes. Yet, after a short while a funky fruitiness develops. However, this is kept in balance by the pepper essence and the bitterness of the Amaro. All in all, the drink is not half as weird and scary as it sounds. Instead, the flavours work very well together and deliver a comprehensive tasting experience.

*The fact that I received a product reviewed in this article for free, did not – in any way – influence the rating of said product. The Fernet was provided by Contratto and the vermouth by Freimeister Kollektiv.