Campari debuts Bourbon-finished bitter

Campari has extended its namesake bitter line with the launch of a limited edition expression finished in Bourbon barrels.

Campari Cask Tales taps into the trend for ‘craft’ barrel-aged spirits

Created by master blender Bruno Malavasi, Campari Casks Tales celebrates 150 years since the birth of Davide Campari.

Campari Cask Tales is an “exploration into cask-finishing” and a twist on the classic Campari expression. Bottled at 25% abv, the new release taps into the trend for ‘craft’ barrel-aged spirits.

The Bourbon barrel finishing adds “smooths bitter notes with fruity, sweet and creamy tones, providing delicate oaky smokiness” to Campari.

To kick off the launch, Campari has invited bartenders from around the world to design cocktails using Campari Cask Tales for their bar menus. The cocktails will be available to consumers for a limited time and will be included in a Campari Cask Tales Cocktail Book.

“Having worked at Campari Group for over 20 years, Davide Campari is a figure admire for his commitment and innovation,” said Malavasi.

“I knew that I had to pay homage to the man who fundamentally inspired my craft. Davide’s intuitive way of connecting with the future inspired me to go out and explore the latest sensory experiences, seeing how to blend art forms and merge the future with the past.

“Bitter, but now slightly fruity; sweet, but just a little smoky; a unique expression has been created that keeps the iconic flavour of the original Campari.”

Andrea Neri, managing director, Italian icons and gin, Campari Group, said: “We hope through the Campari Cask Tales Cocktail Book, we will continue to tell inspirational stories whilst showing that we’ve always understood the deep connection between expression and experimentation, for art happens when we distil experience into the act of creation.”