Sicilian pistachios, renowned for their intense flavor and vibrant green hue, have long captivated dessert lovers and snackers alike. But for those seeking a more spirited appreciation of this beloved nut, a new spirit has arrived: STRATO, the world’s first pistachio distillate.
How does a newcomer like STRATO stand out in today’s oversaturated spirits world? The answer lies in the ingenuity of its two young founders, Germain Thomine and Charles Houdoy. Their vision? To create a unique spirit that celebrates a widely revered yet underrepresented flavor – the pistachio. “We weren’t interested in adding yet another gin to the crowded marketplace,” confides Thomine. Their goal was to explore a fruit with universal appeal and offer something completely unexpected: “Everyone knows the taste of roasted and salted pistachios, or the delicious indulgence of pistachio ice cream. But what about the taste of pistachios in an alcoholic beverage? It’s a whole new experience,” says Houdoy.
![Enjoy the spirit of Sicilian pistachio in a bottle with STRATO 64 Enjoy the spirit of Sicilian pistachio in a bottle with STRATO](https://essentialhomme.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/STRATO-Distillato-di-Pistacchio-0.webp)
But sweetness wasn’t the intention for STRATO. The founders wanted to avoid creating a liqueur that would overwhelm the inherent nuttiness of the pistachio. Their solution? A carefully crafted double distillation process, followed by the addition of a measured amount of sugar. The base of this spirit is neutral grain alcohol infused with coarsely chopped pistachios-but not just any pistachios. STRATO is made with organic pistachios grown in Bronte, Sicily, at the foot of the majestic Mount Etna. This particular choice holds special significance, as Thomine explains: “Mount Etna is a stratovolcano, a type of volcano made up of layers of minerals. These minerals give a special character to the fruits grown around it, and pistachios are one of them.“
STRATO’s visual appeal is undeniable-a vibrant, captivating green hue that complements the equally enchanting aroma of pure pistachios. The taste is a delightful symphony, where the balanced touch of sugar adds a hint of roundness and indulgence without overpowering the delicate pistachio essence. STRATO is a versatile spirit to be enjoyed on its own. The founders recommend it chilled, but not over ice, to preserve its full character. It’s a “360” product, as they describe it, perfect for sipping neat or incorporating into creative cocktails. A simple yet delightful option is the “Stratonic,” a refreshing combination of STRATO and tonic water. But STRATO’s potential extends far beyond the cocktail shaker – it can be used to enhance both culinary and pastry creations, offering endless possibilities for experimentation.
Launched in December last year, STRATO has already garnered a dedicated following, with distribution secured by prestigious companies such as Maison du Whisky. As summer approaches, the founders are confident that STRATO’s refreshing character will solidify its position as the “perfect summer product“. So if you’re looking for a unique and flavorful way to celebrate the spirit of Sicily, look no further than STRATO – a testament to the transformative power of pistachios.