Vya Vermouth

I have only recently discovered Vya sweet vermouth and am amazed at how good this stuff is. Way better than my old M&R,this makes the best Manhattan ever. Not that easy to find (they had it at Binny's) but worth seeking out .

Looked at it, read the label, compared it to alternatives, then just couldn't bring myself to plunk down $20 at Binny's for a Californian vermouth-I can buy Lillet, St. Raphael, Noilly Prat, or M&R for less, even way less.

Can you explain what it is about Vya that you find interesting? I noticed that one of the botanicals is gentian, a bitter herb, found in the French aperitifs, Suze and Ambassadeur("le vrai aperitif de Marseille"-not available in the states). I'm not sure that that is usually found in vermouths.

I wonder if the extra bitters in the Vya is what you like about in your Manhattan. Being cheap though I take the California vermouth that I always try to buy at $1.99 put in extra bitters (Angusturo and Peychaud) then add rye or bourbon.

I'm not saying I won't buy Vya, but curious as to why you did.