Apenera, the Sicilian gin that's driving the English crazy

From Sicily to the United Kingdom, in the heart of one of the world's most prestigious and competitive gin markets. Apenera , the premium gin produced in Aragona , in the province of Agrigento, is winning over British connoisseurs with a production of over 5,000 bottles intended exclusively for the UK market. This important international milestone was made possible by the collaboration with The Curious Drinker , the exclusive membership club that brings together gin enthusiasts, collectors, and experts from across the UK and numerous countries around the world.

The British community, known for its meticulous selection of labels for its members, offers a monthly subscription service that allows you to receive some of the finest international artisanal wines. Among hundreds of wines evaluated each year, Apenera has managed to stand out thanks to the excellence of its production, the artisanal care that characterizes every stage of the process, and an aromatic profile that authentically reflects its terroir.

"We are truly delighted to have achieved this new and important goal," comments Jerry Prestigiacomo , master distiller and founder of Apenera, along with Giusy Cipolla . "Entering the UK market through the front door was an ambitious challenge. The UK is the home of gin, a mature and particularly demanding market, where enthusiasts and experts have a profound knowledge of this spirit. Being selected by an authoritative organization like The Curious Drinker is a source of great pride for us. It confirms that the quality of our work, the choice to use exclusively Sicilian botanicals, and our production vision stand out even in the eyes of the world's most knowledgeable connoisseurs. Apenera tells the story of Sicily in every detail, and knowing that this story has captivated the UK public inspires us to continue on this path with even greater enthusiasm."

The conquest of the British market comes after another prestigious international recognition. In 2024, Apenera achieved the world's best result in the "Contemporary Gin" category at The Gin Guide Awards, one of the most authoritative and rigorous independent competitions dedicated to the world of gin. This success has cast an international spotlight on a wholly Sicilian product, distinguished by its elegance, complexity, and strong territorial identity.

The quality of the botanicals, the scents and aromas that evoke the Sicilian landscape, the extraordinary smoothness on the palate, and the balance of a gin that manages to be complex without ever losing harmony and drinkability are the characteristics that are winning over connoisseurs around the world.

Apenera 's strength lies in its profoundly Sicilian identity. The gin is produced using exclusively Sicilian ingredients and botanicals, selected according to processes geared towards sustainability and the valorization of local agricultural excellence.

At the heart of the recipe are Etna juniper berries , complemented by Ribera PGI orange peel, Syracuse lemon and pink grapefruit , and precious Sicilian black bee honey, an ingredient that gives the distillate a refined citrus and spicy texture. Almonds and walnuts from the Noto Valley and a bouquet of Sicilian herbs and seeds round out the aromatic bouquet.

Apenera was founded in 2021 in Aragona, where an ancient dried fruit warehouse has been transformed into a modern artisanal distillery housing a copper still made by the historic German Müller family, a world leader in distiller construction since 1929.

Designed with a suspended basket dedicated to the most delicate botanicals and equipped with an innovative pre-condenser, the system allows for the extraction of essential oils with extreme delicacy, preserving all the aromatic nuances of the raw materials.
It's no surprise, then, that the United Kingdom has chosen to welcome and promote a production that expresses Sicily through its aromas, flavors, and landscapes. With over 5,000 bottles dedicated to the British public and the support of one of the industry's most influential communities, Apenera confirms the growing international interest in the island's artisanal excellence and demonstrates how a project born in the heart of Sicily can captivate even the most expert and refined palates in the world.