Aetnae

Belpasso (CT) - SICILY

Mount Etna, already a paradise for wine producers, is becoming more and more of an inspiration for the makers of gin. The herbs that grow among the lava stones have become a unique ingredient for Sicilian companies making one of the most popular distilled spirits in the world.

Giuseppe Librizzi, was born and grew up in the countryside of Catania. He is a 35-year old former industrial engineer, with an insane passion for spirits, especially gin. It was while working for the company that produces Rossa Amaro (Sicilian blood orange Amaro) that he had the idea of creating a unique gin using Mount Etna’s incredible native herbs. In 2018 Giuseppe founded Aetnae.

All the spirits he has created have been released after years of experimentation and research. He uses special techniques and unique ingredients such as the alcohol used for infusions (obtained from Italian-grown soft wheat, with very low levels of impurity), orange blossom honey and citrus, as well as local wine.

Mount Etna provides both the inspiration and ingredients to make great gin. Although as Giuseppe acknowledges, to sell a good product you also need good marketing, a good sales department and an attractive label.