El Bandarra joins Proof Drinks

Barcelona-based apéritif brand El Bandarra has embarked on a new distribution partnership with premium beverage specialist Proof Drinks.

The brand’s Spanish vermouth range, which includes El Bandarra Vermut and El Bandarra Rosé Vermut, made its debut in the UK in 2019 after agreeing a distribution deal with Love Drinks.

El Bandarra Al Fresco, the brand’s aperitivo bottling made with Spanish wines, Mediterranean botanicals and grapefruit, was first distributed in the UK in 2020 by Mangrove.

Now, the brand is ‘taking a step forward’ in partnering with Proof Drinks with the aim of widening its horizons thanks to the distributor’s cross-channel expertise and knowledge of the premium spirits sector.

John Vider, managing director of Proof Drinks, said: “El Bandarra is a true disruptor brand with high quality products which we believe can continue to capitalise on the growing Spritz trend.”

The brand was developed by twins Alex and Albert Virgili at the family-owned Casa Berger winery in Barcelona, Spain, and is said to be ‘a liquid reflection’ of Barcelona’s rituals and culture.

This year the aperitivo brand hosted its inaugural Aperitivo Week in celebration of the Spanish tradition of ‘La hora del aperitivo’, a pre-lunch moment that sees friends gather together to enjoy drinks and tapas. 

El Bandarra also launched its ‘rogue bartender competition’, Bar to Barcelona, which saw Zach Sapato and Libby Smith of Glasgow bar The Absent Ear take the crown.

In addition, the brand debuted its UK charity campaign, Grannies Know Best, with the aim of raising money for isolated older people during the winter months. It marked the launch of the campaign with a limited edition Nan-groni cocktail kit.

El Bandarra’s one-litre range of products is available on Amazon, Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange, and Fenwicks, as well as El Bandarra’s online store.