7 Oct 2015 --- Who would have thought the artichoke could garner such interest in the U.S. cocktail community? As Italian drink culture and tradition – from the aperitivo to amari – infiltrates drink rituals stateside, Campari America mounts a new campaign in the battle for bitter: Cynar 70 Proof. Double the intensity and proof of original Cynar, the bartender-beloved bittersweet artichoke liqueur, Cynar 70 Proof is a bold entry in the burgeoning bitters category.
As an authentic imported Italian bitter, Cynar has become just one in a select group of Italian spirits and liqueurs, including Campari, Aperol, Averna and Braulio, finding newfound favor with consumers and mixologists in the U.S. This new, higher proof spin on the classic artichoke liqueur is meant to be enjoyed as a digestivo either chilled, on the rocks, or as a higher-proof shot than the 35 proof original.
The original Cynar recipe was introduced in Italy in 1952 by Venetian entrepreneur and philanthropist Angelo Dalle Molle with the slogan “Cynar, against the stress of modern life.” The name Cynar is derived from a property found in artichokes, cynarin. Though Cynar doesn’t taste like artichokes, the cynarin is believed to have digestive properties.
Like its older sibling, Cynar 70 Proof is crafted from the same secret recipe of 13 infused herbs and plants. The liqueur carries distinctive herbal qualities married with hints of dried fruit and rounded by caramel smoothness. The result is a pleasant woody and caramel bitter taste. Its versatile and distinct flavor – and dark amber-brown color with reddish tones – is achieved through a two-stage process of infusion and blending with a higher alcohol content to achieve a more pronounced flavor profile than the original Cynar.
Cynar 70 Proof will be available nationwide at fine spirits purveyors at $34.99 MSRP for a one liter bottle. A favorite of millions inEurope and South America, and growing in popularity in North America, Cynar is produced in Italy.
About Campari America
Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM). At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY Vodka, SKYY Infusions, Campari, Aperol, Wild Turkey Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey, Russell’s Reserve, Glen Grant Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Forty Creek Canadian Whisky, Cabo Wabo Tequila, Espolon Tequila, Appleton Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew Rum, Coruba Rum, Ouzo 12, X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, Frangelico, Cynar, Averna, Braulio, Carolans Irish Cream, Irish Mist Liqueur, Sagatiba Cachaca and Jean-Marc XO Vodka. Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of Bulldog Gin.
About Gruppo Campari
Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (‘Gruppo Campari’), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading inover 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. The Group was founded in 1860 and today isthe sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. The Group’s portfolio, with over 50 brands, spans spirits, the core business, wines and soft drinks. Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton Estate, Campari, Cinzano, SKYY and Wild Turkey. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 16 plants and 2 wineries worldwide and has its own distribution network in 19 countries. The Group employs around 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001.
