Tuesday, June 30, 2020 – After years in development, Fast Penny Spirits will release their first bottles of the flagship American-made amaro, Amaricano, from their Interbay distillery space in Seattle.
Founded by Jamie Hunt and distillery veteran Holly Robinson, the women-owned and driven company has bottled their first two spirits for distribution — Amaricano and Amaricano Bianca. The amari will be available by pre-order online starting Wednesday, July 1, 2020.
Fast Penny is focused on creating high-quality amaro using organic and wild-crafted ingredients under the Amaricano brand. Rooted in complexity, but encouraging ease, the company is defined by everyday decisions that impact the greater good through sustainability and empowerment of women and community. The founders have committed 3% of bottle revenue to support women in business, communities, and industry. Their first brand, Amaricano, is the perfect intersection of tradition and modernity.
“Fast Penny has been in the works for a long time,” says CEO Jamie Hunt. “Being able to contribute to both my passion in amaro and philanthropy through Amaricano is a dream come true.” Hunt’s Sicilian heritage and love of European travel contributed to her idea for the sophisticated, easy drinking spirit.
Passionate about sustainable pursuits in all she does, CRO Holly Robinson found a kindred spirit in partner Hunt. “While distilled spirits tend to be a good time, I’m always trying to think of what more we can do for others with the opportunities we create,” Robinson says. “Jamie’s vision for the company was on track with what I was searching for in my own career.”
All in all, over 45 different botanicals are included in Amaricano and Amaricano Bianca. Domestically sourced recycled glass, reclaimed cork fibers, and a grape spirit sourced from the West Coast contribute to the lower carbon footprint the company seeks.
Both Amaricano and Amaricano Bianca are made with around 45 carefully sourced ingredients, including cascara from Seattle’s Stamp Act Coffee, cocoa nibs from Theo Chocolates, hazelnuts from Holmquist Hazelnuts, saffron from Eastern Washington farm Cyrus, and local black truffles foraged by Truffle Dog Company.
Contact hello@fastpennyspirits.com for more information.
Website: fastpennyspirits.com
Instagram: @fastpennyspirits
About Jamie Hunt, Chief Executive Officer
A mostly Seattle native, Jamie is known for launching innovative digital products and experiences for global companies as well as seeking out delicious food and cocktails at home and on the road. In creating Fast Penny Spirits, she digs deep into her Sicilian heritage and love of amaro for a new American take on the spirit.
A life-long learner and traveler, trips to Europe helped spark her dive into the world of Amari. With a family history rich in making wine and liqueurs at home, Jamie set about concocting the recipe for Fast Penny’s flagship amaro, Amaricano — testing hundreds of brews and combinations. When she’s not mixing up flavors in the distillery, Jamie can be found spending time with her family: husband Jason, children Anya and Gavin, and Italian truffle-dog Fiori.
About Holly Robinson, Chief Revenue Officer
Holly comes from a background rich in sustainable farming, hospitality and beverage. A life-long Pacific Northwest dweller, she can regularly be found oceanside digging for razor clams, as regularly as a mountain trail foraging for mushrooms. Wanting to work more with sustainability in food systems, paired with a drive to do better in her everyday career brought Holly to Fast Penny. Her background in the spirits world and love for hospitality sealed the deal.
In addition to Fast Penny, Holly was the co-founder of Captive Spirits Distilling and their well-known national brand, Big Gin. She lives in North Seattle, with her daughter Stella Rye.
