Corte Vetusto – The World's Most Highly Awarded Mezcal – Announces U.S. National Expansion in Partnership with AIKO Brands

Atlanta, GA - October 16, 2025 - Corte Vetusto, the world's most highly awarded mezcal brand, is proud to announce its U.S. national expansion through a strategic national distribution partnership with AIKO Brands, a recognized leader in scaling premium and luxury brands across North America.

Since its acquisition by AETHER Brand Group, Corte Vetusto has accelerated its global momentum — expanding into new international markets, securing partnerships with prestigious institutions such as the Supercar Owners Circle and Ferrari Club of America, and earning continued critical acclaim, including a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) for its celebrated Ensamble IV release.

Already poured in world-renowned venues such as The Savoy and The American Bar in London, Rocco Forte Hotels in Italy, and Bar Vesper in Thailand, Corte Vetusto continues to redefine the standard of luxury within the mezcal category. Now, the brand is poised to re-establish itself in the United States as the mezcal of choice for discerning collectors, connoisseurs, and retailers.

The Corte Vetusto Prestige Range:

Every expression in the Corte Vetusto collection is small batch, single-sourced, and distilled to proof — meaning each batch carries its own unique character and natural variation in ABV. For our Reserve expressions, second distillation occurs in ancestral clay pot stills, which imparts a remarkable depth, softness, and minerality that offers incredible depth and complexity in the agaves.

• Espadín – Crafted from 100% mature Agave Espadín grown in the highlands of Oaxaca. A refined, balanced mezcal that reveals layers of roasted agave, cacao, and stone fruit with a supple mouthfeel and elegant minerality.
• Ensamble IV – A limited-edition blend of equal parts Espadín, Tobalá, and Tepeztate — honoring traditional ancestral methods and showcasing extraordinary complexity with hints of tropical fruit, nuts, and a long, mineral-driven finish. Second distillation done in ancestral 70-liter clay stills.
• Tobalá – Produced from 100% wild Agave Potatorum. A silky and aromatic expression with notes of fresh agave, white flowers, and subtle earthiness, finishing with hints of citrus and spice. Second distillation done in ancestral 70-liter clay stills.

Each release reflects Corte Vetusto's unwavering dedication to heritage, craftsmanship, and authenticity — a true embodiment of prestige mezcal.

The partnership with AIKO Brands marks a pivotal moment in Corte Vetusto's U.S. expansion strategy. With a proven track record of scaling premium labels such as Doc Holliday Bourbon, HanJan, and ClapBack Wine, AIKO brings a robust national infrastructure, key retail relationships with Costco, Spec's, and Total Wine, and a specialized sales team that will collaborate closely with AETHER Brand Group to elevate Corte Vetusto's awareness and availability nationwide.

"AIKO's impressive track record of scaling premium brands makes this partnership a very exciting opportunity for Corte Vetusto and AETHER Brands as a whole," said Matthew Tarallo, Founder & Principal of AETHER Brand Group. "Their expansive network across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico provides an ideal platform for Corte Vetusto's North American expansion."

"We are honored to welcome Corte Vetusto Mezcal into the AIKO portfolio," added Feliks Shekhtman, Managing Partner of AIKO Brands. "Corte Vetusto is not only one of the most acclaimed spirits in the world with listings in over 8 countries – it also strengthens our luxury and prestige offerings, delivering tremendous value to our customers and distributor partners."

Following strong global growth and successful 2024 rollouts, Corte Vetusto is now entering a new chapter in the United States. The brand will make its next high-profile appearance as an official sponsor of the Ferrari Club of America's Concorso event at The Club at Admiral's Cove on November 8th — a fitting stage for a mezcal brand that defines luxury and exclusivity.

Currently available in Florida, Georgia, New York, and Massachusetts, Corte Vetusto plans to continue its selective market expansion throughout 2026, prioritizing premier retail and on-premise accounts that align with its prestige positioning.

Corte Vetusto mezcals are now available through the online shop and select local retailers. For more information about Corte Vetusto and its full portfolio of premium mezcals, please visit the official website or follow the brand on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

About Corte Vetusto

Established in 2024, Corte Vetusto is the world's most highly awarded artisanal mezcal brand, crafted in small batches using time-honored methods passed down through generations. With a focus on authenticity, craftsmanship, and heritage, Corte Vetusto creates mezcals of remarkable depth and character that honor the ancient traditions of Oaxaca.

About AIKO Brands

AIKO Brands is a nationally recognized importer of premium alcoholic beverages, offering a diverse and high-quality portfolio to the U.S. market. With extensive expertise in ethnic market preferences and a tailored approach to diverse consumer segments, Aiko Brands provides a selection of fine beverages designed to satisfy even the most discerning tastes.

The company's distribution network includes 127 partner organizations across 46 U.S. states, ensuring broad market reach and exceptional service. AIKO Brands sources products from South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, and has developed strategic partnerships with leading European manufacturers, securing exclusive import rights to some of the world's finest spirits and wines. By combining industry knowledge, consumer insights, and a commitment to quality, Aiko Brands continues to shape the future of the U.S. alcoholic beverage market.

About AETHER Brand Group

Launched by Former Global Vice President of Amazon for The Coca-Cola Company and Senior Vice President of Business Development of Reynolds American Matthew Tarallo, AETHER Brand Group is an Incubating and Operating Brand House in Adult Consumption Categories. A complement to RFT Ventures, which focuses on investments in early-stage businesses and founders, AETHER Brand Group acts as a brand house for creators, owners, and operators while utilizing owned assets and strategic partnerships across ingredient formulation, a national fulfillment network and more. Both ventures are poised to complement one another with a focus around investing, consulting, incubating, and operating emerging consumer brands in the adult consumption categories.