Liquorificio Palent was founded in the early 2000s from an idea by Matteo Laugero. On his family’s estate in the Palent hamlet, nestled in the Maira Valley of the Cuneo Alps, he began cultivating genepy using organic methods, carefully selecting the finest varieties. This laid the foundation for what would soon become the highly acclaimed Palent liqueurs, appreciated both nationally and internationally.
Following the passing of its founder, the family decided to entrust the distillery to new hands. La Cantina Srl took on the challenge of carrying forward the Palent legacy.
The new owners are also a family-run business. In the early 2000s, Massimiliano and his wife took over a small beverage distribution company in the Cuneo region. With passion and dedication, they grew the business by focusing not only on quantity but above all on quality, aiming to differentiate themselves from large distributors by building a personalized relationship with their customers.
Over the years, La Cantina created its own brand, Chemical Drink, offering high-quality liqueurs for mixology. The name was chosen provocatively—not to imply something artificial or harmful, but to highlight the precise balance of ingredients that defines great spirits.
The constant pursuit of excellence, coupled with the desire to stand out in a market dominated by the same big brands, led La Cantina to acquire the Palent brand.
This acquisition also fulfilled the owner’s dream of reconnecting with his family’s tradition of producing spirits, not just distributing them.
The distillery’s operations, recently resumed, continue to follow the same philosophy that has always defined Palent: artisanal production, far from mass manufacturing, using only the finest raw materials and employing the cold-compound method. This involves a slow maceration of botanicals in alcohol at low temperatures for extended periods, ensuring maximum flavor extraction.
The small artisanal workshop sources all its mountain herbs from the Cuneo valleys, where many growers have embraced organic farming for decades. This commitment, driven by a deep respect for nature and the environment, allows Palent to continue producing premium-quality herbal infusions.
Back on the market are Palent’s signature liqueurs:
- il Genepy, with its bold and unmistakable flavor;
- Achillea, known for its balsamic properties;
- the intoxicatingly fragrant Damask Rose liqueur;
- The amaro, a sophisticated infusion of twenty-eight different herbs, roots, and fruits;
- Gin Gadir, an extraordinary and unique gin infused with organic capers from Pantelleria, beloved by bartenders and chefs alike.
Under new ownership, Palent has also developed a lighter genepy to meet the demand for a smooth yet high-quality liqueur—appropriately named "L'Altro!" ("The Other One").
The latest addition is a classic gin, crafted with a recipe that blends mountain botanicals with a subtle hint of honey. Named Gin Maira, it is a tribute to the valley where this legacy of excellence began over twenty years ago, ensuring that the tradition continues to flourish.
