Spirits giant Pernod Ricard has added the bergamot-infused aperitivo Italicus to its portfolio, the company announced March 12. Launched in 2016, Italicus was created by mixologist and Italian spirits expert Giuseppe Gallo, who will be the active CEO in the brand’s ongoing development.
Italicus won as Best New Spirit 2017 at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. The 20% ABV exotic aperitivo has fast become a bartender’s favorite and taps into the consumer trend toward premium, lower-proof spirits.
The deal is the latest in a string of partnerships and acquisitions by Pernod Ricard. The company’s new brands include Monkey 47, Smooth Ambler West Virginian whiskey, Del Maguey mezcal, Rabbit Hole bourbon and the Italian superpremium gin brand Malfy. Pernod just lask week acquired ultrapremium Japanese gin KI NO BI.