As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that Carpano and Campari are not the same, although they do share some similarities. Both Carpano and Campari are Italian alcoholic beverages, but they belong to different categories and have distinct flavors.
Carpano is a type of vermouth, specifically a sweet vermouth. It is made from a base of white wine, fortified with a neutral spirit, and infused with a blend of botanicals, including herbs, spices, and fruits. The result is a complex and aromatic drink with a sweet and slightly bitter taste. Carpano is often enjoyed on its own as an aperitif or used as an ingredient in classic cocktails like the Negroni or Manhattan.
On the other hand, Campari is an aperitif liqueur that falls into the category of bitters. It is made by infusing a blend of herbs and fruits in alcohol, which is then sweetened with sugar syrup. Campari has a distinctive bright red color and a bitter, herbal flavor profile. It is often enjoyed neat or mixed with soda water, tonic water, or used as a key ingredient in cocktails like the Campari Spritz or the classic Negroni.
While both Carpano and Campari are often used in cocktails, they offer different flavor profiles and serve different purposes. Carpano's sweetness and complex aromatics make it a great choice for adding depth and complexity to cocktails, while Campari's bitterness and herbal notes provide a refreshing and slightly bitter taste that can balance out sweeter ingredients in a drink.
In terms of personal experiences, I have had the pleasure of tasting both Carpano and Campari on multiple occasions. I find Carpano to be a delightful vermouth with its rich sweetness and complex botanical flavors. It adds a wonderful depth to cocktails and can even be enjoyed on its own as a sipping drink.
Campari, on the other hand, has a unique and acquired taste. Its bitterness can be polarizing, but I find it refreshing and enjoyable when combined with other ingredients. The vibrant red color adds an element of visual appeal to cocktails, making them look more enticing.
Carpano and Campari are not the same. Carpano is a sweet vermouth with complex aromatics, while Campari is a bitter aperitif liqueur. They both have their own distinct flavors and serve different purposes in cocktails. Whether you prefer the sweet complexity of Carpano or the bitter herbal notes of Campari, there is a drink out there to suit your taste preferences. Cheers!