Whisky distillery in South Tyrol
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Excellent Lagrein, delicately fruity Gewürztraminer, home-made stone pine schnapps according to grandfather's recipe. And of course the typical Forst beer. All these spirits are famous in South Tyrol. When it comes to whisky, it's a bit different. You associate it with Scotland and Ireland, at most with America, certainly not with South Tyrol.
Ancient tradition, modern technology, Vinschgau water
Rye fields in the Vinschgau Valley used for whisky production.
PUNIAlthough it may seem strange, whisky is also produced in South Tyrol, and of excellent quality. The PUNI distillery in the Vinschgau Valley has been the first whisky distillery in Italy since 2010. The pioneer of South Tyrolean whisky is Albrecht Ebensperger. However, the entire family shares his passion for Scottish vine water. After several years of intensive work, planning and building up the distillery, production began in 2012, following the old Scottish tradition. With modern approaches, local rye and pure mountain spring water from the Stelvio National Park.
The particularly gentle distillation takes place in original copper stills from Scotland. They are at the heart of the production plant, which is located in the PUNI cube in Glurns. The striking 13 x 13 metre building reflects the link between tradition and modernity.
One of the ingredients for whisky production is pure water from the Vinschgau Valley.
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The 13X13 metre cube of PUNI inside which the whisky production plant is located.
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There is nothing better than enjoying an excellent glass of whisky from the PUNI distillery made according to traditional methods.
PUNIWho wants a good whisky...
… must know how to wait. Also in the Vinschgau Valley. The climate here is perfect for maturing whisky. After a short time, the Italian malt whisky is balanced and multilayered. However, it remains in old Marsala barrels from Sicily, bourbon casks from the USA or former wine casks from South Tyrol for about three years to develop its full aroma. The floral aromas intertwine with fresh, fruity notes of citrus and malt.
The exact mixing ratio of the different types of whisky is, of course, a secret. PUNI attaches great importance to the authentic art of distillation and 100% malted grain. Just like the regional cultivation of the grain used. The special rye - an old farmer's variety grown in the fields of the Vinschgau - gives the distillate a unique note.
Local rye is one of the ingredients for making whisky.
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For the production of its whisky, the PUNI distillery uses also machinery that has come directly from Scotland.
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The barrels of the PUNI distillery in the Vinschgau in which the whisky is aged.
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PUNI Distillery's beautiful Whisky bottles created by Italian industrial designer Christian Zanzotti.
PuniSome interesting facts about the distillery!
- The distillery's name, PUNI, is named after the river that flows through the valley, testifying to its deep attachment to the land.
- The Ebensperger family offers whisky tastings and various distillery tours to all those interested. One example is the weekly 'Whisky and Chocolate' tour, during which you can discover the magic of the union of these two flavours. The tours can also be organised privately and last approximately one hour. More information is available on the distillery's website.
- The whisky bottles and cases were created and designed by a young Italian industrial designer, Christian Zanzotti, who tried to interpret the classic whisky bottle shape in a modern way. The bottle has a very slender shape, with very pronounced angles. The top of the bottle is lacquered black and thanks to the 360° label, the design of the bottle is the same from every angle.
An original idea for Christmas
If you are looking for an idea for Christmas and are on holiday in South Tyrol, a PUNI Whisky might be a good idea! In the local shop you can find all the Whiskies, accessories and sweets to go with them and also beautiful and elegant gift boxes. And if you want an even more special idea, you can also choose a gift voucher for a guided tour of the distillery. An original idea that is sure to be appreciated!
If you still need tips for Christmas presents, you can have a look at our article!
