Gourmet Living Traditional DOP Balsamic Vinegar Aged 12 Years | 100 Milliliter Bottle of Aged Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale Affinato | Tested, Sealed and Bottled in Modena, Italy

Top of the range balsamic.

When it comes to reviewing 12 year aged Balsamic vinegar, I was worried that it might be a case of 'pearls before swine' with me. However, I can confidently say that this is a beautiful product with many culinary uses and, if you can afford it, you won't regret having a bottle in the cupboard.This vinegar is what a good balsamic in my head is like: it is viscous, sweet and has a great depth of flavour that is delicious on its own, but also complements other flavours wonderfully. Most of the versions that you get from supermarkets taste like pickling vinegar in comparison. I've tried it, drizzled with olive oil, on a classic tomato, mozzarella and basil salad with Italian meats and it transforms these simple ingredients into a stand-out meal. Drizzle a little on a homemade tomato soup and, again, something simple is elevated to another level. Strawberries benefit from a light drizzle as well, and don't need much to complement their flavour.The bottle comes in a beautiful presentation box, with a thick, multi-language booklet, covering some of the history and production of balsamic vinegar, as well as a few recipe ideas. The bottle itself is stopped with a cork, when this is removed it can be fitted with another supplied cork which has a glass pourer which itself has a little cork.This is by no means a cheap product and is really only meant as a very special item for gourmands and foodies. I wouldn't consider buying this myself, as I rarely get to eat food that would benefit from it, though I am very glad that I have got to try it and would recommend it if your budget can stretch that far.

When it comes to balsamic vinegar it is hard to know if the product you are buying online is authentic and worth the asking price. Having tried various balsamic vinegar I can confirm that this is one extraordinary balsamic vinegar that has a distinct taste to it. It also has a certification of authenticity.The vinegar comes packed in a small beautifully decorated cardboard box so it can be a really beautiful and special gift. They included a booklet that explains the 12-year process of producing the Aceto Balsamico which is really interesting to me, and it has few recipe ideas to help you utilise the vinegar into your cuisine.I mostly like to use the Aceto Balsamico as a simple salad dressing where I can enjoy its taste without bringing in other flavours and "losing" the taste of vinegar. The vinegar doesn't contain any artificial flavours, colours or preservatives so it tastes much better than store-bought vinegar.I would describe the taste profile as sweet and tangy and overall very rich and somewhat "woody" as the vinegar is ageing in the wooden casks for 12 years.Compared to store-bought vinegar it has a very distinct taste and is much thicker, however, if you look at the price, the difference is not that great that it would justify the price difference, but this is an artisan vinegar.Overall, this is a lovely vinegar and if you like Aceto Balsamico I would recommend trying an authentic one from Modena regardless if it is this one or any other available on the market.

Gourmet Living DOP Balsamic Vinegar Aged 12 Years is for me the supreme balsamic vinegar. I have loved balsamic vinegar for a long time and have used it on many foods as I simply love the sweetness which also has a certain tanginess to it.I have always bought the best one I could afford, but none of them can be compared to this one. This is for me the gold medal of balsamic vinegars. It is an addiction for me as I now use it on so much of my menus, from fruit to vegetables, salad dressings to sauces this balsamic adds a richness which can be compared to nothing I have tasted before.I also love the presentation of this balsamic and with the taste bud satisfaction it brings to me makes this one balsamic I am happy to recommend.

When it is a beautifully presented 12 year old barrel aged Balsamico in a lovely designed box that comes with a booklet explaining a bit more about what goes into its production and some recipes to get the very best out of it.I used it on some delicious Iberico pork fillets and added it a few minutes before serving, and having had Iberico pork fillets many, many times I can honestly say the difference made is quite astonishing, much thicker than usual vinegars and with a deep and smokey taste that never overshadows the meal but compliments it so well.You do wonder why more meals are not created this way, but then remember this is an artisan vinegar and is not for the faint of heart or the timidest of cooks.