When it comes to premium spirits, the competition is fierce, but every so often, a brand emerges and sets new standards. Solbevi, a limoncello inspired by the traditions of Italy and crafted with a modern twist, is making waves in the global spirits industry. Recognized as the best liqueur in the world as per USA Spirits Ratings, Solbevi is an experience that transports you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. Let’s dive into Solbevi's journey from its inception to its vision for the future, exploring what sets it apart in a crowded market.

As the founder of Solbevi, Stefan Di Benedetto puts it, "We wanted to create a market-leading lemon-flavored liqueur that could sit on the back bar next to Aperol and Campari in every venue around the world. There is no one similar product that directly competes with these two brands, yet a limoncello holds similar characteristics to these two products." This inspiration led to the creation of Solbevi, a brand with a clear vision for the next five years: to establish itself as a staple in bars worldwide, ultimately evolving to be known simply as Solbevi, shedding the ‘limoncello’ label altogether.

Image: Founder of Solbevi, Stefan Di Benedetto

What distinguishes Solbevi from other limoncellos in the market? The answer lies in its versatility and modern appeal. "Solbevi is made to be a mixer, the base of a cocktail," Stefan explains. Unlike traditional limoncellos, often relegated to after-dinner shots, Solbevi is crafted for a broader range of uses, from refreshing Limoncello Spritz to zesty Limoncello Margaritas. The brand has consciously lowered its alcohol by volume (ABV) to provide a smoother finish, increased the zestiness of the lemons for a standout flavor in cocktails, and reduced the sugar content in response to growing health consciousness among consumers.

The founder further elaborates, "I took our family recipe from Italy and spent three years crafting it to suit the modern world, particularly the younger generation. They are the future, and they love social media. If they like something, they’ll post it—that’s natural, organic marketing for us, with no extra cost."

Solbevi’s exceptional quality is no accident; it’s the result of meticulous attention to detail. "Ratios are everything," says Solbevi's distiller. "If you don’t get your ratios right, then you can’t maintain consistency and quality. Naturally, lemons vary, so every batch requires careful adjustment and regular taste testing to ensure that each bottle meets our high standards."

2024 USA Spirits Ratings: Limoncello, 93 Points - Liqueur Of The Year.

Currently, Solbevi is available exclusively in Australia, but the brand has ambitious plans to expand internationally. "We are working on entering the US market with some major businesses," the founder reveals, "and we are close to finalizing negotiations in Southeast Asia." The goal is to launch Solbevi in the US by February 2025, with an initial focus on New York and New Jersey.

In Australia, Solbevi is already a major player, being sold in the country’s major alcohol retailers like Dan Murphy’s, Thirsty Camel, and Vintage Cellars. They are featured in Qantas’s First Class Lounges. The brand has also made a significant impact in the on-premise scene, thanks to its strong presence in Australia's three largest distributors.

Sustainability is a key aspect of Solbevi's production process. The brand takes pride in using "old/unwanted lemons" that would otherwise go to waste. "They might not look great, but the flavor profile is certainly there," Stefan notes, highlighting Solbevi’s commitment to reducing food waste while maintaining exceptional taste.

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The thought process behind Solbevi’s packaging is equally intentional. "Our branding started with one simple direction: I want a big A0 vintage poster in my house. Let’s create that first, and then work backwards." This vision led to the creation of two vintage posters, which in turn inspired the packaging design. The aim was to evoke the feeling of being transported to the Italian coastline, with the packaging and flavor working in harmony to offer a Mediterranean escape in every sip. They used a photo of Positano that they took many years ago as a reference, he adds.

Solbevi is more than just a limoncello; it’s a modern reinterpretation of a classic Italian liqueur that is quickly becoming a global sensation. Recognized as the best liqueur in the world as per USA Spirits Ratings, Solbevi is poised for even greater success as it continues to expand into new markets and redefine how we enjoy lemon-flavored spirits. With its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovative branding, Solbevi is well on its way to achieving its vision of becoming a back bar staple next to Aperol and Campari in venues around the world.