Contemporary Vermouth brand Oscar.697 looks for new horizons in Asia

Born from a visionary idea of Stefano Di Dio, Oscar.697, the contemporary Vermouth brand, is modernising the traditional Italian drink while still respecting its legacy. Vermouth has undergone a true revival since 2011, with a new generation of both drinkers and distillers, and the growing trend towards lower alcohol drinks. New styles of Vermouth are making their way onto cocktail lists and bartenders’ hearts. Present in 14 countries today, the Italian challenger, Oscar.697 has partnered with Nimbility to reach the heart of Asia!

“It is a pure emotion to start working with Nimbility Asia.” Says Stefano Di Dio, Oscar.697’s founder. “July 4th we’ll turn 7 years, this is our birthday gift. During this amazing period we have properly seeded and organically built our Independent Vermouth Brand in 14 countries with a primary focus on Italy, United States & Australia. Now it’s time to stretch our legs and improve our distribution network within a very challenging area like Asia is. And we do believe Nimbility is the best partner to represent us and strengthen our company objectives. Looking at the particular period of time we’re all facing because of the pandemic, this step forward clearly remarks we do want to keep walking and continue our amazing Journey by showcasing OSCAR.697 Vermouth and its Italian Contemporary Vision in new areas of the world which are historically linked with our Italian heritage and craftsmanship. Thanks to Nimbility, our Team will significantly expands his network and we’re sure it will also be beneficial for all our commercial partners already on board because the more we spread love the more we receive love. Our simple, but powerful motto “Love the Past, invent the Future” couldn’t be more clear to describe our new exciting partnership with Nimbility.”

Oscar.697 is one of those up-and-coming contenders to traditional Vermouth, produced in the province of Asti, in the Piedmont region in the North-West of Italy.

Rated as "Exceptional," "Innovative" and "One of the best" in several internationally acclaimed awards, Oscar.697 is a fresh take on Vermouth. They aim to lead the whole category by using new ingredients and flavour profiles, far from the traditional cliché. As Vermouth is a significant component of several classic cocktails, Oscar.697 is focused on educating bartenders to ensure they are pouring the right Vermouth in their bars.

“We are very excited about adding OSCAR.697 to our portfolio of spirits.” Says Manuel Arce, Nimbility’s Spirits Director. “At Nimbility we look for independent brands that are in both the traditional, and not so traditional categories. OSCAR.697 fits perfectly between the two, with the traditional method of production of VERMOUTH STORICO DI TORINO IGP, but a modern and fresh approach with the packaging. OSCAR.697 is an appealing proposition of premium quality vermouth for the old and new generations of cocktail drinkers across APAC. We are looking forward to finding the right partners for this jewel of a vermouth brand, ready to shine in Asia’s cocktail scene.”

While the composition of the botanicals and the exact duration of the maceration are trade secrets, the rest of the process strictly follows the traditional Vermouth know-how, giving us three varieties: Bianco, Rosso and Extra Dry.

OSCAR.697 Bianco

OSCAR.697 Bianco has strong notes of bergamot which impart a sharp citrus flavour, yarrow muscat for peppery, bitter tannins and elderflower. The ABV sits at 16%, and the sugar level is kept relatively low compared to other Vermouth Bianco to give it a drier and more bitter profile while maintaining a very fresh, delicate and balanced product.

Best served on the rocks, in a spritz and in cocktails with white spirits (Gin, Tequila, Pisco,..)

OSCAR.697 Rosso

OSCAR.697 Rosso has strong notes of absinthe, rhubarb and liquorice. Wandering off the beaten track, it has no cinchona, a botanical normally associated with rosso vermouths. Again the ABV is at 16% and sugar level is kept low for a drier and more bitter profile. OSCAR.697 Rosso gets its rich red colour naturally from burnt sugar. Absolutely no dyes or synthetic caramels are used!

Best served on the rocks, shaken or in classic cocktails such as Americano, Manhattan

OSCAR.697 Extra Dry

OSCAR.697 Extra Dry is a unique Vermouth that undergoes not just one but two infusions, the first with the botanicals then followed by a separate oak infusion! The dry vermouth has strong notes of wild fennel, dog rose and oak and can be reminiscent of a fino sherry (and we do love sherry in the team). The ABV is a little higher at 18% and the sugar level is kept EXTRA dry while being EXTRA aromatic.

Best served in a Martini, dirty or not !

For more information on Oscar.697 in APAC please contact info@nimbilityasia.com