CKBG debuts rhubarb apéritif

Casa Komos Brands Group (CKBG) has launched Doladira, a rhubarb apéritif created to ‘set a new standard’ in the aperitivo category.

Created by Meredith Erickson, author of Alpine Cooking, and CKBG, Doladira is described as ‘the new staple’ for the on-trade.

“I created Doladira to have the drink I always wanted but could never find,” said Erickson. “An aperitivo with real ingredients, less sugar, and a perfect balance of bitterness, acidity, herbaceousness, and salinity.

“It’s a culmination of my time in the Alps — it’s also a riff on a recipe from my alpine book — but really when I think about it, it’s a result of the last 20 years I’ve spent in the food and wine world.”

Conceived in the Dolomite Alps in northeastern Italy, and created and bottled at a privately-owned distillery in Burgundy, France, Doladira’s name is derived from the fusion of Dolomites and enrosadira – the optical phenomenon known as alpenglow that bathes the alpine peaks in pink hues at sunrise or sunset.

Doladira was created via a multi-year collaboration between Erickson and CKBG co-founder Richard Betts, with the aim of creating an aperitivo that ‘elevates any occasion’ by using ‘only the best ingredients.’

As such, the apéritif is a blend of rhubarb and alpine botanicals, including plum, gentian, elderflower, and pine.

The liquid offers a herbaceous profile with a smooth texture.

Its colour comes naturally from rhubarb and black carrot, avoiding artificial additives.

Doladira also has 60% less sugar content than what is said to be found in the current category-leading apéritifs.

It is recommended in a number of serves, including in a Spritz, Negroni, or on the rocks.

The packaging, which features ridged ‘pistes’, was inspired by the Alps and designed by Perron-Roettinger.

Doladira has initially launched in New York, with further roll out across the US and other countries planned in the coming months.

It is bottled at 22% ABV and has an RRP US$34.99.

CKBG launched its Komos Tequila brand in UK this spring.