Puni Whisky (IT) from the distillery in South Tyrol

History - History of Puni

In the picturesque Vinschgau Valley, surrounded by the majestic Ortler mountain range, a vision was born in 2010: Italy should have its own whisky distillery. Inspired by years of appreciating and tasting whisky, the Ebensperger family founded the PUNI Distillery – named after the river that flows through the valley. Thus began the success story of Italy's first single malt whisky.

Even the founding years were characterized by innovation and craftsmanship. The two copper stills, manufactured by Forsyths in Scotland, became the heart of the distillery. Distillation began in 2012 – a milestone for Italian whisky production. PUNI celebrated its next success in 2015: with NOVA and ALBA, the distillery presented its first whiskies, matured in bourbon, virgin oak, and Marsala casks.

Today, PUNI represents the perfect symbiosis of tradition and innovation. The distillery constantly experiments with new flavors, using regional barley malt from Italy and importing peated malt from Scotland. Maturation in various casks and the Mediterranean climate result in an impressive diversity of flavor profiles. PUNI remains a pioneer and ambassador for Italian whisky.

Elements - Terroir meets Tradition

PUNI derives its uniqueness from the fusion of nature, design, and craftsmanship. Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, the combination of pristine mountain spring water and the mild South Tyrolean climate creates the perfect foundation for whisky. The water from the Stelvio National Park is exceptionally soft and ideally suited for production. The climate, with its warm summers and cold winters, promotes faster whisky maturation, resulting in a whisky that is already balanced and complex in a short time.

The architecture of the PUNI distillery is another expression of perfection. The iconic cube, designed by architect Werner Tscholl, unites tradition and modernity. The facades are reminiscent of the region's typical barn windows, while inside, Forsyths' copper stills are operated with state-of-the-art technology. Christian Zanzotti's bottle designs also reflect this approach: traditional forms are given a contemporary interpretation, and the elegant packaging invites you to discover the secrets of the whisky.

Production - Italian Malt Whisky

The production of PUNI whisky is based on a perfect balance of traditional methods and modern science. The process begins with carefully selected malted grain, primarily sourced from Italy and Germany. For smoky creations, peaty malt is imported from Scotland. At the distillery, the malt is blended, milled, and mixed with hot water to convert the starch into sugar.

In fermentation vats made of South Tyrolean larch, the mash is created by adding yeast and is ready for distillation after about 96 hours. This takes place in two stages in handcrafted copper stills. The alcohol content is precisely increased to obtain a pure and aromatic distillate.

The whisky is matured in carefully selected wooden casks, including bourbon barrels from the USA, Marsala casks from Sicily, and wine casks from South Tyrol. The Mediterranean climate supports the development of aromas and accelerates the maturation process. In a short time, a complex and balanced Italian malt whisky emerges – a product that reflects the passion and expertise of the PUNI distillery.