Romain Llobet is the co-founder of IESSI (ee-yess-ee), an Italian alcohol-free aperitif. Its signature taste is inspired by an amaro recipe from his business partner Nicolas Maiarelli’s grandmother. Before creating IESSI, Romain spent almost a decade building Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal and was one of the leading educators about agave across Europe. Recognized as the Most Influential Brand Ambassador by Cocktail Spirits Paris in 2019, he brings 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with the Leading Hotels of the World, Michelin-starred restaurants, and top restaurants and cocktail bars in Paris. Guided by his curious thirst for knowledge, he also returned to school in New York, earning the BAR5 session certification created by David Wondrich, Dale DeGroff, Paul Pacult, Doug Frost and Steve Olson. Now based in Marseille, and bringing IESSI all around Europe and beyond, he keeps finding meaning in sharing a true story and unique flavors that belong only to the family, plus a genuine sense of making it all fun - for every moment and everyone, with or without alcohol!