Nestled in the heart of Piedmont, Distilleria Sibona stands as a beacon of Italian tradition and craftsmanship in the world of spirits. With over a century of experience, this renowned distillery brings the art of grappa-making to life, blending time-honored techniques with a passion for innovation. We chat with Luigi Barbero, Owner of Distilleria Sibona, on their journey and future goals of the company.

About Distilleria Sibona

Distilleria Sibona, one of the most historic distilleries in the Piedmont region, proudly holds the oldest distillation license—N° 1. Located in the Roero zone, just a few kilometers from Alba, it sits in the heart of a renowned wine-producing area, home to some of Piedmont's most iconic wines like Nebbiolo, Arneis, Barolo, and Barbaresco.

Sibona’s grappas achieve exceptional quality through careful selection of the best local grape marc, precise distillation techniques, and the expertise of three seasoned oenologists. By discarding the initial and final distillate cuts and aging the spirits in barrels for extended periods, Sibona produces grappas that are not only smooth and enjoyable but also complex and richly aromatic.

Image Credits: Distilleria Sibona

The Journey

Luigi, one of the distillery's owners, began his journey in 1999, following in the footsteps of his father and uncle. From the outset, he developed a deep passion for distillation, particularly with a commitment to achieving the highest possible product quality. This dedication led to numerous aging trials, resulting in unique products such as grappas aged in special barrels—like those previously used for Port, Sherry, Madeira, Rum, Whiskey, and Sauternes. Additionally, Luigi and his team created distinctive offerings, including a crafted Vermouth di Torino and a gin made with local ingredients, reflecting their pride in being ambassadors of the Langhe area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The distillery has won a number of awards over the years at the London Spirits Competition, including Vermouth of the year at LSC 2024, and Brandy of the year at LSC 2022.

Image Credits: Distilleria Sibona

Competitive Edge

Distilleria Sibona has invested extensively in improving distillation equipment and ensuring the highest quality of pomace, sourcing all grapes locally from within a 20-kilometer radius of the distillery. Significant investments have also been made in the aging process, experimenting with a variety of barrels, some of which previously held special products such as Port and Sherry wines, Rum, Whiskey, Madeira, or Sauternes.

Growth and Vision

Distilleria Sibona will introduce a new and distinctive product at the beginning of 2025, though details remain confidential for now. The company's goal is to expand distribution both locally and internationally, while continually experimenting to enhance quality and develop new products. Plans include offering special Grappa reserves with extended aging of over 30 years. Additionally, Sibona aims to strengthen its presence in Europe, where it is already well-established, and to expand into the USA and China.

Image Credits: Distilleria Sibona

Conclusion

Distilleria Sibona exemplifies Italian distilling excellence, combining a rich heritage with innovative practices. With over a century of experience, they continue to produce exceptional grappas and spirits while expanding their global reach. As they prepare for exciting new releases and strategic growth, Sibona remains committed to enhancing quality and preserving their celebrated traditions.

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