A short interview with Altamura Distilleries, brand sponsor of our EPHOTO’s 10th anniversary party.

How did the brand come about?

Altamura Distilleries was founded when Steve, Frank and Frank’s spouse Justin decided to move to Puglia, Frank began making Apulian recipes in the U.S. and learned the famous history behind Altamura Bread. He himself made bread using Altamura wheat and that’s when he got the idea: a loaf of bread is nothing more than a bottle of vodka waiting to be made!

How would you describe the brand in three adjectives?

Fun, Innovative, Delicious

What are the special features of your vodka and its best pairings?

Our vodka is distilled deliberately so as to maintain the Altamura terroir and durum wheat profile in its essence. The result is a vodka that gives off a unique mouthfeel, often described as “soft.” It has been awarded for its smoothness and spectacular finishing notes. A mixologist in Venice described it as a vodka with a soul, and we believe it is a vodka made for mixology. Altamura Distilleries vodka is perfect in a martini with the classic proportions of 3 parts vodka and 1 part good dry vermouth, we then like to add a dash of orange bitters in the style of the Savoy Hotel. We also like it in a vodka negroni, paired with the classic flavors of Campari and sweet vermouth.

New projects in the pipeline?

We will shortly introduce our first gin. A classic London Dry distilled from the same iconic Altamura wheat.