Sidney Frank Importing Company Named Exclusive U.S. Importer And Distributor Of MONKEY 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin

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May 28, 2014, 01:19 ET

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., May 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc., and Black Forest Distillers of Germany jointly announce that Sidney Frank Importing Company Inc. will become the exclusive importer and distributor of MONKEY 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin in the United States, as well as Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, effective immediately.

Sidney Frank Importing Company Named Exclusive U.S. Importer And Distributor Of MONKEY 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin (PRNewsFoto/Sidney Frank Importing) (PRNewsFoto/Sidney Frank Importing)

MONKEY 47 is a batch distilled, handcrafted dry gin that skillfully unites British traditions, the exoticism of India and the purity and nativeness of the Black Forest. It is this eccentricity that defines the enigmatic character of Commander Montgomery Collins, from whom MONKEY 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin originates. Collins' childhood as the son of a diplomat in East Asia, his military career in Berlin and his late-adopted home in the Black Forest, supply the background for a recipe that represents an audacious combination of 47 handpicked natural ingredients. As a British gentleman, Collins was not willing to give up his appreciation for gin and used regional and unusual botanicals such as lingonberries and exotic Asian botanicals to develop his Black Forest Gin.

In 2006, Alexander Stein, Founder and Managing Partner of Black Forest Distillers, learned of Collins' extraordinary gin recipe and made the acquaintance of the highly acclaimed distiller, Christoph Keller. Together they fine-tuned the recipe and tirelessly worked to introduce a high-quality gin in honor of Commander Collins and his monkey Max. In other words, they created MONKEY 47, a dry gin with an unrivaled complexity and quality, distilled from 47 botanicals and macerated in a combination of pure molasses alcohol and extremely soft natural spring water.

"The global response to MONKEY 47 has been overwhelming and we have seen a tremendous demand to expand into other markets. Our first batch was sold out within a few short weeks and all further batches were ordered before the bottles had even been filled," says Alexander Stein. "We are excited to partner with brand building expert Sidney Frank Importing Company as we bring our highly sought after schwarzwald dry gin to the United States."

"We are delighted to add the ultra-quality dry gin, MONKEY 47, to our portfolio," says Bill Henderson, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc. "MONKEY 47 is the rare but true combination of a handcrafted product with an authentic story, award-winning packaging and a perfectly balanced taste."

MONKEY 47 was first introduced in Germany in May, 2010. Beyond its domestic market, the monkey from the Black Forest is available in 20 countries and has received top honors from around the world for both taste and design, including Gold Medal at the Beverage Tasting Institute, Gold - Best in Class for Gin Worldwide at The International Wine & Spirits Competition, Gold at The World Spirits Awards, a Red Dot award for packaging design and the recent nomination for Spirit of the Year at The Mixology Awards. Additionally, Drink International Global Survey just ranked MONKEY 47 as number four of the top 10 trending gin brands served at the World's 50 Best Bars.

Whether with tonic, as a sling, martini or gimlet, the complex taste of MONKEY 47 is an ideal base for both classic and eccentric cocktails. This Schwarzwald dry gin is full of character and boasts a distinct and pure scent of juniper with a subtle floral note, crisp citrus notes and a hint of peppery spices. MONKEY 47 is 47% alc./vol. and available in a 375ml size with a suggested retail price of $44.99. Visit www.monkey47.com or www.facebook.com/MONKEY47drygin for additional information.

About Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc. Founded in 1972, Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc. of New Rochelle, NY, currently owns or imports: Jagermeister Herbal Liqueur - the number one selling imported Liqueur and shot brand in the United States; Gekkeikan Sake - the world's finest sake with nearly 400 years and 14 generations of sake brewing experience, American Harvest – an American-made organic vodka that boasts a distinctly smooth and crisp, clean taste; Casamigos Tequila – Created and owned by George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman, Casamigos is a small batch, ultra-premium tequila made from the finest, hand-selected 100% Blue Weber agave; MONKEY 47 - a batch distilled, handcrafted Schwarzwald dry gin that skillfully unites British traditions, the exoticism of India and the purity and nativeness of the Black Forest; Barenjager Honey Liqueur - the German imported original honey liqueur made with generous amounts of premium natural honey; Barenjager Honey & Bourbon - a delicious blend of premium honey liqueur and Kentucky bourbon whiskey; Barenjager Honey & Tea - premium honey artfully blended with tea liqueur; Barenjager Honey & Pear - a delightful combination of premium honey liqueur and Williams pear brandy; Sortilege – this remarkably fine liqueur is a unique blend of Canadian rye whisky and pure maple syrup; Hudson's Bay Scotch - a smooth blend of 100% Scotch Whiskies distilled and blended in Scotland and St. Vivant Armagnac - the premium French brandy steeped in tradition dating back to 1559. www.sidneyfrank.com. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.