PUNI Distillery

History
PUNI Distillery is located in the Venosta Valley of South Tyrol near Glorenza and is described as Italy's first whisky distillery. They produce exclusively 100% malt and source malt from Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, stored in cube silos prior to distillation. According to their information, distillation began in 2012 with traditional pot stills, combined with modern technology to ensure premium quality and selection of the best part of the spirit. The district's water comes from alpine sources in Stelvio National Park, and the climate in the Venosta Valley is described as ideal for whisky production.

Production / Manufacturing

Malt

Malting is a controlled germination, and PUNI is described as Italy's first whisky distillery to use 100% malt. The malt is supplied from Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom and stored in cube silos.

Mash

The mashing process involves milling 1 ton of malt and blending with 6,000 liters of warm water. The clear wort is pumped through a heat exchanger to washbacks, and the draff by-product is used as animal feed by local farmers.

Fermentation

Fermentation takes place in five wooden washbacks made from locally sourced larch wood, each with a capacity of 10,000 liters. Each day about 6,000 liters of wort are used, and yeast is added. The fermentation can last up to 96 hours, and the long duration promotes the development of lactic acid bacteria, which give the whisky bright and fruity notes later on.

Distillation

The whisky is produced in a 13 by 13 meter cube, buried underground. Since 2012, 100% malt is distilled in traditional pot stills, combined with modern technology. A unique heating technique uses overheated water instead of steam, enabling precise temperature control and selection of only the best part of the spirit.

Maturation

Maturation is most influenced by the type of cask and the climate in the dunnage warehouses. In addition to classic ex-Bourbon casks, Italian wine casks and Spanish Sherry casks are used, along with many others, for at least 3 years. The South Tyrolean climate, with warm summers and cold winters, is believed to accelerate maturation and contribute to a rounded and distinctive flavor.

Products / Whisky Series

• CORE Range: GOLD (43%, ex-Bourbon), SOLE (46%, ex-Bourbon & PX Sherry), VINA (43%, ex-Marsala). Natural color, no chill filtration, 100% made in Italy.

• ARTE Limited Editions (01-05): unique batches, hand-selected and 100% made in Italy. For example ARTE 05: 6.4 years, 48% ABV, ex-Scotch; notes of bergamot, honey and smoke. ARTE 04: 5.4 years, 48% ABV, ex-Merlot; grape, smoke, chocolate. ARTE 03: 4.6 years, 50% ABV, ex-Sherry; apricot, coffee, nutmeg. ARTE 02: 46% ABV, Ex-Bourbon & Virgin Oak; tobacco, vanilla, ginger. ARTE 01: 6.9 years, 43% ABV, Ex-Bourbon & Ex-Peated; red apple, sea salt, orange zest.

• AURA Limited Editions (01-04): cask strength (typically 55–65% ABV). For example AURA 04: 7 years, 53.5% ABV, ex-Pinot Grigio; pineapple, pear, pepper. AURA 03: 8.8 years, 56% ABV, Virgin Oak; apple, malt, candied fruit. AURA 02: 8.4 years, 63.5% ABV, ex-Marsala; dried fruits, licorice, hazelnut. AURA 01: 6.5 years, 56.2% ABV, Ex-Bourbon & Ex-Peated; wood ash, caramel, lemon.

• PUNI CUBO: Distillery Exclusive (X1, X2, X3) with different ex-casks including Port, Sherry, Scotch and Bourbon; X3 is Single Cask (Ex-Pinot Nero Tonneaux) with about 695 bottles; ABV around 49–50%. Tasting notes vary by cask.

• The Italian Malt Whisky – CORE Range: GOLD, SOLE, VINA; natural color, no chill filtration, 100% made in Italy.

• Liqueur & Accessories: PUNI Box tasting, Tasting glass, etc.

Visit / Experiences

• Visitor Centre: Tastings of whiskies with views of the stills. Guided tours offered in several languages throughout the year. Online shop for purchasing whiskies and limited editions; delivery in Italy. Opening hours and availability are listed in the Visitor Centre area.

• Private guided tours: private group tour year-round; 45–60 minutes; 1–10 people. Languages: Italian, German and English.

• Shop and online shop: sales of whiskies and accessories; shipping within Italy; shipping costs and delivery times listed in the shop.

Philosophy / Terroir

• Terroir: Use of pristine alpine water from Stelvio National Park and the varied South Tyrolean climate suitable for whisky production. The climate is described as a factor accelerating maturation and contributing to a balanced flavor even after relatively short aging.

• Architecture and design: The building is a cube, 13 by 13 meters, underground. The building and technology are designed to unite tradition and innovation, with design by Christian Zanzotti for bottles and packaging.

• Product development and planning: Focus on planning raw materials, casks and aging to ensure consistency and high quality over the years. The ARTE and AURA series illustrate a freer approach to production and marketing, while the Core Range maintains a constant adaptation to Italian malt whisky.