Rossi Barattini Affinato "Reserve" 12 Year Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. Top Scores from the Consortium

If you're like me and you have so far hesitated to shell out for authentic, top shelf balsamic vinegar "Tradizionale", rest easy. I took the chance placed my order and - with great trepidation - drizzled a fine line of this syrupy brown gold atop a scoop of french vanilla ice cream, and it was nothing less than a transcendental revelation! The thick, dark brooding concerto of complex flavors that awaits you will awaken and stimulate your palate in ways that are hard to convey in words, but which transformed even this jaded epicure into a believer. A condiment like no other, this really is the nectar of the gods! True, this singular and outstanding product is not inexpensive and the traditional bottle, in absolute terms, seems rather small. But when you realize just how long, laborious and painstaking a process is involved in a Tradizionale's production, and just how far a few drops of this liquid jewel can go, i think you will find the cost of acquisition to be indeed quite reasonable! From now on, this affinato shall be an indispensable addition to my gourmet arsenal. Go ahead, take the plunge: you will never regret this purchase!!

I expected a bit more depth and sweetness. Great though on my tomatoes, basil and burrata.

Way too thin, seems like it has been watered down. Also, good balsamic vinegar purchased in the past has had somewhat of a sweet taste, this product was more like a vinegar taste.Definitely not worth the price charged

Actually. I was disappointed in this Balsamic. I was expecting a thicker sweeter taste. This taste very similar to a Trader Joe balsamic that I paid maybe $10 for. This one is thin, quite acetic and not really sweet tasting. A product that I brought home from Italy and is not 12 years old but the IGP version is much better and as thick as molasses. So, I tried it and maybe I have no idea what good balsamic vinegar should taste like but this is not what I would ever buy again.

Oh my goodness. This is the first time in my life I ever spent this much on a bottle of balsamic vinegar! It was worth every penny! I ordered this on December 20, 2016. It was supposed to arrive after Christmas, but low and behold they made sure I had it on December 23! This is by far the best balsamic vinegar we have had to date. Thick, syrupy, sweet,low acidity. All the things I look forward to in a lovely bottle of balsamic. We put it on salads and filet mignon and I even splurged and put some in a special pot of pasta sauce I made! We have gone through half the bottle now and I must admit, I shall probably order again when we are low! Great balsamic,great customer service and I even like the special stopper/pour spout they give you to place inside the bottle so you don't waste a drop of this wonderful balsamic! Thank you Rossi Barattini!! A special shout out to Bella Luna Imports!!

This is a truly wonderful and most delicious product. Since receiving it , we have been putting it on so many things. It ads a wonderful flavor and texture , and on a high quality Reggiano it is truly amazing. I have tried many aged balsamic products during many visits to Italy, and this is the best of the best, the thickness like a fine syrup , is only topped by the flavor.

My wife was searching for the real Balsamic Vinegar. We were introduced to the very best on our trip to Italy. It is virtually impossible to find the real deal locally, even in the very high end markets. I took a chance and ordered this one. It may seem pricey, but to get the real deal, you will pay for it. My wife was thrilled with the flavor, consistency, and purity. Thanks for bringing this Italian treasure to the U.S.

So that is what real balsamic vinegar taste like! I always saw it on TV and wondered. Well worth the investment. Have cooked with it to serve my friends and they wondered what that beautiful unknown taste was. I kept it to myself.lol. I will definitely buy some more of this when I run out. Don't worry about the size. Use sparingly because a little bit goes a long way