Torani and Ferino Distillery Partner to Preserve the Iconic Amer Liqueur

SAN LEANDRO, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2024) – As Torani approaches its milestone 100th anniversary in 2025, the company today announced a step toward evolving its portfolio as part of its commitment to keeping traditions alive while looking to the future. With plans to cease production of its iconic Amer liqueur in March 2025, Torani will transfer the confidential formula to Nevada-based Ferino Distillery free of charge. The distillery will add the proprietary recipe to its product line in April 2025, ensuring no disruption in availability. This transition ensures the beloved liqueur remains accessible to devoted fans while allowing Torani to focus on expanding its portfolio as the company enters its second century of innovation. 

Inspired by the French Amer Picon, Amer is an aperitif featuring complex notes of bitter orange, cinchona bark, gentian, and subtle hints of mint. Long cherished by the American Basque community, the flavor is a key ingredient in the classic Picon Punch cocktail. The liqueur has become increasingly hard to come by in the U.S. in recent years, making Torani’s preservation of Amer all the more significant. 

Founded in San Francisco, CA in 1925, Torani is known for its notable contributions to the American beverage industry, including putting the Italian Soda on the U.S. map in the 1920s and creating the world’s first flavored latte in the 1980s. Following Prohibition, Torani co-founder Ezilda Torre became one of the first female rectifiers of distilled spirits in the nation. Amer was introduced under her son-in-law, Harry Lucheta, in the 1960s and the company produced various liqueurs and cordials until the late 1980s, when Torani discontinued all distilled spirits except Amer as its business model shifted to cafes and coffee. For over 40 years, Amer has been Torani’s sole alcoholic offering, beloved for its enduring popularity and historical significance among the American Basque population, concentrated primarily in California, Nevada, and Idaho. 

“For a century, flavor has been at the heart of what we do. But above all, it’s always been about people and opportunity,” said Lisa Lucheta, Torani chairperson of the board and granddaughter of founders Rinaldo and Ezilda Torre. “My family created the Amer recipe 60 years ago, and sharing it with a rising, Italian American-founded business like Ferino Distillery is the perfect way to honor its legacy and ensure fans can enjoy Amer for years to come.”

Founded by Joe Cannella, Ferino Distillery was born from his Italian family heritage and passion for crafting distinctive spirits. Inspired by a fateful trip to Sicily, Italy, Ferino Distillery has grown into a destination hotspot based in the heart of Reno, Nevada’s downtown Brewery District. Known for its focus on Italian-inspired spirits – including Cannella Cinnamon Cordial, Caffe Notte Coffee Liqueur, Amaro, Fernet, and Idle Times cocktail bitters line – Ferino Distillery captures the essence of old-world Italian flavor with a modern craft approach.

“At Ferino Distillery, we’re committed to producing high-quality, small-batch products that honor tradition while adding a contemporary twist,” said Joe Cannella, founder and owner of Ferino Distillery. “Bringing Amer into the Ferino Distillery portfolio aligns perfectly with our expertise as a maker of herbal liqueurs and bitters. We envision a bold new chapter for Amer, leveraging its long-time brand presence and market connections while staying true to its storied history.”

Torani’s decision to discontinue Amer stems from the complexities of distributing a single alcoholic product as part of a vast portfolio that includes over 160 non-alcoholic flavors. While Amer has played an important role in the company’s history, passing the flavor to another producer allows for the strategic expansion of its portfolio without sacrificing a classic, time-honored flavor. Although “retired” flavors sometimes resume production, Torani was resolute in its desire to find a way for Amer to live on indefinitely through another producer. 

“Torani is an opportunity-driven company guided by the question, ‘What will make us proud?’” said Melanie Dulbecco, CEO at Torani. “This partnership with Ferino Distillery is a meaningful way to honor a legacy flavor while allowing us to focus on innovation and our next big flavor opportunities."

As Torani’s 100th anniversary approaches in 2025, the company continues to merge innovation with honoring its legacy. Torani recently announced Diamond as its “Flavor of the Century,” a celebratory spin on its annual “Flavor of the Year” campaign, and plans to donate 100% of the syrup’s profits through the end of 2025 to organizations creating opportunity. Torani is set to deliver more imaginative surprises throughout 2025, including an interactive Bay Area pop-up experience and a cross-country mobile tour to celebrate its centennial.

About Torani

Torani is deeply committed to being an amazing flavor company whose purpose is “flavor for all, opportunity for all.” Established in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood in 1925, we put Italian sodas on the U.S. map in the 1920s and created the world's first flavored latte in the 1980s. From the beginning, we’ve used only the best ingredients, like natural flavors and pure cane sugar, to craft flavors that are vibrant and delicious. Enjoyed in cafes, restaurants, and home kitchens for nearly 100 years, Torani strives to inspire and lead flavor innovation globally while remaining a family-owned Bay Area business. In practice and life beyond the bottle, Torani is a certified B Corp that believes businesses should create more opportunity, and we’re dedicated to helping all the people, partners, and communities we touch thrive. Learn more at torani.com.

About Ferino Distillery

Ferino Distillery, located in the heart of Reno, Nevada’s historic Brewery District, is dedicated to crafting exceptional spirits inspired by Italian traditions and the art of cocktail making. Founded by Joe Cannella, Ferino’s offerings include Cannella Cinnamon Cordial, Caffe Notte Coffee Liqueur, Amaro, Fernet, and the Idle Times cocktail bitters line. As a destination distillery, Ferino combines old-world craftsmanship with a modern approach, delivering unique experiences and bold flavors that honor its founder’s Sicilian roots. Learn more at home.ferinodistillery.com