Friarwood adds coffee liqueur to portfolio

Drinks distributor Friarwood has bolstered its spirits portfolio with the addition of a coffee liqueur named Cafeto.

The company previously only dealt in wine since its launch in 1967 but, in the past year, it has added Tromba Tequila, Portugese aperitivo Per Se, Venezuelan rum Ron Carúpano and German vodka Sash & Fritz Vodka to its portfolio, as it continues its expansion into the spirits industry. Cafeto is made with Tromba Tequila, blending the 100% agave spirit with Mexican-grown coffee. Tequila is used instead of water in the cold-brew extracting process. Notes identified from the liqueur range from toasted coffee, lime, orange and chocolate to honey, tobacco leaves and cooked agave, with hints of mint and agave. Nelson Bernardes, spirits portfolio brands manager at Friarwood, said: “We are very excited to bring Cafeto to the UK. From the very first tasting, we knew Cafeto was something special. The feedback from our accounts has been overwhelmingly positive.” Cafeto is partnered with La Alianza de Mujeres en Café, an organisation with a mission of increasing visibility for women in coffee. Friarwood said it can be enjoyed on the rocks, as a shot or in a twist for an Espresso Martini. It has an ABV of 35% and retails for £38.75 (US$49) per 700ml bottle. Last September, The Spirits Business spoke with Ben Carfaginini, managing director at Friarwood, who told us about the company's move to the premium spirits sector and its plans for the future.