Biggar & Leith, Montclair, N.J., launched Malfy Gin, the first luxury Italian gin to be imported into the United States.
Malfy Gin will be distributed by Young’s Market Co. in ten markets: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
It’s distilled in a family run distillery in Moncalieri, Italy by the Vergnano family. Although the spirit is infused with Italian Juniper and five other botanicals it is the infusion of the famous Italian Coastal lemons, including some from the Amalfi Coast, that give Malfy Gin an unusually fresh and zesty aroma and palate distinguishing it from other traditional, juniper-heavy gins.
Despite popular belief that the origins of gin lie in Holland, it is Italy that can lay claim to this most delicious spirit. Along Italy’s Salerno Coast in 1050 AD, Monks blended locally foraged juniper (“ginepro”, in Italian) with spirit in the Monastery kitchens to create what we now know as Gin.
“We were researching the history of gin – and there it was, staring us in the face; gin was invented in Italy – long before the British or Dutch. However, it wasn’t until we tasted the Vergnano family’s Malfy GQDI that we knew we had found a gin that represents the literal distillation of Italian quality, culture and craftsmanship. The infusion of the local botanicals and Italian lemons, which themselves have a rich history in Italian culture, give Malfy a distinctive twist.” Says Elwyn Gladstone, founder of Biggar & Leith.
Carl Carlson, Senior Vice President, Spirits Portfolio Operations, Young’s Market Co. described Malfy Gin as “a truly exceptional product with a flavor profile that’s unmatched in the gin category.”