KiKi launches in the US
Massachusetts-based importer Heavenly Spirits has brought French apéritif KiKi to the US.
Kiki is an apéritif produced in the Vendée region in western France and will be available in the US in two varieties; red Epines Noires and white Poires de Vendée Epines Noires. Also known as a Vin d’Épines or a troussepinéttè, the traditional before-dinner drink is made with local wine and the young sap-laden shoots harvested from blackthorn bushes in the spring. The white KiKi is made with the addition of pear juice harvested from the local Vendée farmers’ co-op. It takes inspiration from the phrase 'Come have a KiKi with me', which is an invitation for a quick late-afternoon or before-dinner aperitif. Offered at 13% ABV, the fruity aperitifs can be enjoyed chilled, in a cocktail or as a long drink, but are traditionally served in a small Duralex glass. These small 'KiKi' glasses will soon be available for purchase on the Heavenly Spirits website and at upcoming tasting events. Both expressions are offered at a suggested retail price of US$19.99 per 700ml bottle. KiKi Vandéen's two varieties are now available in the state of Massachusetts and will soon also be launched in other parts of the US, where Heavenly Spirits has distribution partners. Heavenly Spirits was founded in 2008 and is a US importer of French spirits. Earlier this year, the company hosted an Armagnac seminar in Pittsburgh and partnered with La Barteleur, a ready-to-drink cocktail brand, for its launch in the US market.
