The Perfect Vermouth

Vermouth is the ideal way to wade into bitter, complex spirits without getting whomped on the head with medicinal flavors (those are fun, too, but not necessarily for newcomers). Vermouth is wine that has been blended with aromatics and spirits, and it has three basic profiles: red (used in Manhattans and negronis), white (terrific on its own or in a highball), and dry (used in martinis). I like to give vermouth a chance to be the star attraction, not just the accent to another spirit, and