Terlato Wines International, an Illinois-based marketer of luxury wines in the US, has signed a long-term deal to import and market Don Pancho Origenes rum brand in the country.

Don Pancho Origenes is produced by Cuban master rum distiller Francisco ‘Don Pancho’ Fernandez at Las Cabras Distillery in Panama.

Terlato will initially import Don Pancho Origenes 30yo and 18yo, which will be later followed by 8yo rum.

Don Pancho Origenes will join Terlato Wines’ Artisan Spirits portfolio, which was launched in August 2013 with two long-term deals – Langley’s No. 8 gin and Tigre Blanc vodka.

Terlato Wines CEO William Terlato said the spirits business is evolving.

"It’s starting to look a lot like the wine business, with mixologists, craft bartenders and consumers embracing a new category of small-production, hand-crafted, super-premium brands," Terlato added.

"Our Luxury Wine Report indicates that today’s consumers are actively looking for new brands and categories to discover and share, and their preference for luxury wines and craft spirits is growing well above the category."

Terlato Wines’ Artisan Spirits portfolio will include a selection of hand-crafted premium spirits sourced from around the world.

The portfolio will have a dedicated sales and marketing team in addition to Terlato’s current premier and estate marketing and sales team.

The Artisan Spirits portfolio currently includes Langley’s No. 8 Distilled London Gin, Tigre Blanc Vodka from France, and Marnier Cognac, with a collection of single-malt, single-cask Scotches and a 100% blue agave tequila to be soon added to the list.