This was made possible thanks to the fortunate discovery and keen insight of a farmer from Carini, who happened upon the last remaining colonies of the Sicilian black honeybee and immediately recognized how extraordinary they were. In the late 1980s, the bees were then isolated and repopulated on the island of Ustica, securing the survival of the species. From this story came the idea of Jerry Prestigiacomo and Giusy Cipolla to found House of Apenera Distillery and to connect the story of the Sicilian black honeybee with the story of the Sicilian people.
Apenera gin draws inspiration from the life of a native Sicilian insect: the Sicilian black honeybee. Unique of its kind and endangered until just a few years ago, this remarkable insect now delights us with its exceptional honey.
Sicilians, like the black bees, have endured—and continue to endure—migration and the many contradictions that burden their land. And now, they are returning to the cities of the island, sharing the beauty of their origins with the world. Apenera is us: those who stay, those who leave and return, never forgetting the bond with our land and our true identity.
Our distillery is located in Aragona, in the province of Agrigento. At the heart of our production process is a 230-litre Müeller still, crafted entirely from copper—the same material used by master distillers for centuries, chosen for the way it interacts with the spirit and refines its character. Copper is not an aesthetic detail. It removes impurities, softens the profile and allows the botanicals’ most delicate aromas to emerge. Every batch is deliberately small: more control, greater attention and higher quality in every bottle. No industrial production. No shortcuts.
Apenera aims to establish itself as a successful name in the spirits industry while promoting a lifestyle defined by beauty, elegance and contemporary flair.
In every sip, the authenticessence
of Sicilian flavours.
Apenera is a range of premium spirits, 100% made in Sicily and crafted with botanicals sourced from every corner of the island. With an international outlook and deep roots in our homeland, we aim to be more than just a label: a way of life defined by beauty, elegance and contemporary style.
