Since the creation of Disaronno International UK in 2020, the UK subsidiary for Ilva Saronno, has grown dramatically and gone from strength to strength. Building on their two hallmark brands of Disaronno and Tia Maria, they have not only launched variations such as Disaronno Velvet, but have also had great success with new brands such as Engine Gin and The Busker Irish Whiskey and the portfolio just keeps on going.
Disaronno Originale, the beloved Amaretto from Saronno, with a history expanding back to 1525 remains a staple product for venues to stock. Embracing its role as a symbol for the Italian Dolce Vita lifestyle it has welcomed a whole new generation of fans with new serves such as the Disaronno Fizz.
Having launched in 2020, Disaronno Velvet, has had great success. With a lower ABV (17%) than Disaronno Originale, it is a refreshingly smooth cream liqueur that maintains the unmistakable taste of Disaronno. It can be enjoyed over ice, in a twist on an espresso martini, or in a long serves such as the Batida to really bring those endless Italian Summer vibes.
Tia Maria Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur is the UK’s biggest coffee liqueur (IWSR UK 2023). With a stronger coffee flavour, a complex aromatic structure and reduced sweetness levels, Tia Maria is the key ingredient for perfectly balanced cocktails. Its base of Jamaican rum is infused with 100% Arabica coffee beans and pure Madagascar Bourbon vanilla extract, making it distinctive and full bodied. By using cold brew extraction the intense and distinct taste is guaranteed, making it the ideal coffee liqueur for the perfect Espresso Martini.
Engine launched in 2021 and has gone from strength to strength with last year’s launch of the RTD’s. Born in Barbaresco and it is an Italian Organic Gin made using 100% Italian botanicals, distilled using a traditional John Dore copper pot still to preserve the finest aromas and flavours of sage and lemon. Aside from being a spectacular design, the aluminium cans serve another more sustainable purpose as they are made from recycled olive oil and motor oil cans.
Since its launch just a few years ago, The Busker has become the 8th bestselling Irish Whiskey according to this year’s Drinks International rankings. The Busker is a “new to world” Irish Whiskey that is born out of a modern Ireland, where the contemporary and bold meet at the crossroads of tradition. While The Busker honours its Irish heritage, it encourages you to go beyond the limitations and lines of history and write a new story. With the expanded Singles Collection there is a style of The Busker for everyone.
Excitingly, Disaronno International UK have also bought their Isolabella Lemoncello and Sambuca to the UK market this year. Limoncello Isolabella is an exquisite Italian liqueur meticulously crafted from the zest of the finest Sicilian lemons. Offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavours. This classic digestif boasts a smooth, silky texture that captivates the palate. The production process involves careful citrus selection and hand-peeling to preserve essential oils. The base spirit in Isolabella Limoncello is cold-infused with neatly trimmed lemon peels to ensure maximum extraction of the essential oils and reduced bitterness. Once balanced with sugar, the result is a speciality liqueur that is 100% natural and of the highest quality. A delicious and legendary combination of a time-honoured recipe & modern techniques to ensure excellence.
Sambuca Isolabella maintains the balance and unique style that the Isolabella brand has been renowned for since its founding in 1870. The unique character comes from the infusion of seven different medicinal plants treated with care to fully respect and preserve their original beneficial aroma and flavour. Its sweet and spicy notes dissolve within a smooth viscosity, delivering an exquisitely intense experience. Today, Sambuca Isolabella’s master blenders dedicate their skill to preserving the original recipe while ensuring the consistency of the final product we can all enjoy today.
The two newest editions to the Disaronno International UK portfolio are incredibly exciting. The first being the purchase of Sagamore Distillery based in Baltimore, Maryland USA and the second being a distribution partnership with Cotswold Distillery. Both incredible premium brands which fit impeccably into the existing portfolio.
Sagamore Spirit was founded in 2013 and they have established themselves as a brand driven to craft the world's best rye whiskey, while strengthening our collective communities. This includes building partnerships with the Maryland agricultural community and working with local farmers to grow and harvest grain. Sagamore American Rye Whiskies have earned more than 200 awards internationally, including World's Best Rye Whiskey in 2019 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Cotswold Distillery, was founded by Dan Szor, a native New Yorker and whisky connoisseur in 2014 after moving to the Cotswolds. Though Whisky was always the dream, Dan wanted to create a full range of delicious spirits and liqueurs and thus Cotswolds Dry Gin became the distillery’s first release. After three years of eager anticipation, Cotswold Signature Single Malt Whisky, the first ever to be distilled in the Cotswold, was released. And in the years since they have expanded the range to include the incredible Cask Collection.