Altamura Distilleries has appointed former Paradiso head bartender Federico Lombardi as brand mixologist as part of its North American growth strategy.

Lombardi will lead the brand’s cocktail development, bartender advocacy, trade education and hospitality partnerships throughout North America.

“When many people still viewed vodka through the lens of neutrality, Federico immediately recognised the importance of the wheat, the provenance and the flavour profile,” said founder Frank Grillo.

“He understood that this was a vodka with genuine character and a genuine connection to place. Over the years he has become one of our strongest supporters, helping introduce the brand to bartenders and hospitality professionals across multiple markets. There came a point where making that relationship official simply made sense.”

Founded in Puglia, Altamura Distilleries produces a vodka distilled exclusively from 100% Altamura durum wheat. It is triple distilled and bottled at 43% ABV and currently distributed across 18 countries and more than 25 US states.

The brand ranked in the top 10 Bartenders’ Choice in the Brands Report 2026, which lists the spirits brands which the world’s best bars have enjoyed working with the most across the previous 12 months.

“Altamura Distilleries has always stood for authenticity,” said Lombardi. “As bartenders, we spend our careers looking for products with a point of view and a story worth telling. That’s what attracted me to the brand from the beginning and it’s why I’m excited to help build its future across North America.”

Lombardi spent six years at Paradiso and will remain actively involved in hospitality while simultaneously working with Altamura Distilleries.