Poll: Balsamic Vinegar

[foodiedelite]

Cook's magazine (July 2001) recently evaluated some balsamic vinegars.

Surprising, I wasn't aware that most include caramel coloring and sugar in their ingredients. I need to watch that more closely.

A vinegar which rated very well was "365 Balsamic." It retails for under $4.00 a bottle.

I have beening using Trader Joe's up until now. The one in a square shaped bottle with red label.

What's your favorite balsamic vinegar?

[Ralph]

I don't have a favorite, at least yet, but also didn't know about the caramel coloring & sugar in the typical so-called balsamics, either. The issue of CL that had the article about top-quality ingredients (June, 2001, I think) mentioned the same thing. So now I'm thinking twice before just grabbing the cheapest stuff on the shelf!

[gertdog]

I too read the Cook's Illustrated article. I don't have a favorite balsamic vinegar yet. I have some un-favorites though! I've found that cheap supermarket balsamic does reduce into a nice, thick, flavorful syrup if you boil it enough to reduce by half (in a well-ventilated kitchen of course). Drizzle on roasted veggies, etc.

Has anyone sighted the 365 Balsamic in a grocery store?

[SusanMac]

Isn't the Whole Foods line called 365? Not sure if the article is referring to this, or if it's a different product. I haven't tried 365, but the CL article inspired me to start looking at the ingredients the next time I buy balsamic. I just always assumed the ingredients were "vinegar" and that's it. I don't have a favorite brand, but could eat it with oil on salads, veggies and bread every day! yumm!

[BethH]

How was the grocery store brand of Alessi rated?

What are the highest rated brands so I can look for them next time I need to pick up a bottle? :)

[Nancy171]

I stumbled upon the 365 degrees balsamic in Whole Foods a few months ago and bought it because it was cheap -- what a find! I agree with the Cook's Illustrated review completely. I don't think I'll ever go back to the pricy gourmet store variety.

They also liked Masserie Di Sant'eramo ($10.95 for 250ml) and Fiorucci Riserva ($8.99 for 250ml).

[Laura B]

My favorite is Fini, which got a recommendation from Cooks but not a high recommendation. I have seen the 365 balsamic vinegar at Whole Foods, but have never tried it. When I make it through all of my bottles of Fini some time next year (:rolleyes: I REALLY stocked up), I will have to try the 365.

[Beth]

I have 3 balsamics on my shelf (and maybe a white one too). The Fini and the Candoni (a $3-4 gorcerystore one from Italy in a squre bottle) are good, but Monari no longer passes the test. I'm trying to use it up in things where the flavor is not that pronounced. I haven't seen the 365 brand yet.