Puni Nova whisky tasting notes and review of the first Italian Single Malt ever made
Puni single malt Nova whiskey is a sunny, sharp whisky, pervaded by a dry and elegant fruit. It is not sumptuous or rich, but precise and rigorous. It does not want to surprise you with a spicy evolution or caramel or frills rivers. On the contrary, the wood was dosed with precision to sculpt a good background flavor, so that the malt is the undisputed protagonist of this distillate. Don’t expect dusty, antique or decadent whiskey. No, this Puni single malt Nova whiskey has matured for three years in bourbon barrels and cask used to refine Marsala.
But don’t expect a sneaky whiskey, indeed this has an austere grip that leaves no room for frivolities. Let’s say a few words about the Puni distillery, the first Italian distillery to produce single malt in purity ever. And we are very proud of this reality that undoubtedly started with their feet firmly planted on the ground and a clear project in mind: make elegant malt whiskeys.
It is no coincidence that the ingredients are produced at home. The barley is grown near the distillery. The water comes from the river Puni which gives its name to the distillery. The use of wood is respectful, the distillation is done precisely. Do we mean that they are aiming for a kind of Highlands style elegance?
Maybe, we do not know, but judging by the fineness of this whiskey, Puni single malt Nova seems to be. Don’t forget that the Puni distillery was founded in 2010 and that bottle is their first three-year single malt: let’s give them some time. And we note that on the label “whisky” is written with the “i”, the Scottish way: this says it all.
The Puni single malt Nova whisky bouquet
The nose starts immediately with a shrill herbaceous call that dictates the whole rhythm, giving great finesse to the bouquet. The fruit is fresh with tones of lemon, apples, and gooseberries. There are sweet and spicy tones but they are echoes that embellish the aromatic picture with fine brush strokes. The real protagonist is malt: unmistakable and uncompromising. It is not camouflaged but opens in sweet and just toasted tones. No peat detected. The variety is discreet, but as we said before it does not want to make wonders, but to bring out the flavor of pure malt.
What does Puni single malt Nova whisky taste like?
On the palate it is very expressive, defined with finesse. Opens with a dry and sharp fruit with citrus-like hints then passes to more spicy tones, but with grace. The rhythm is splendid, it moves dancing between acidity and more mature tones, but it is not soft . What is most surprising is the mineral tension, the layered flavors: lemon peel, pine nuts and dried fruit that comes from the oxidation of Marsala. Then a light vanilla tone, but it is still the medicine suggestions that come out with a set of well-defined herbs. Long finish with salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
We must tell the truth: this is a nice bottle, not great yet, but the start is promising. They want to stick to the terroir, without giving up the aromatic depth of a well-crafted whiskey.
Puni single malt Nova whiskey price
54 euros: fair price.
Puni single malt Nova whisky food pairings
Grilled ribs in BBQ sauce, canapés with herring and robiola, brisket, pulled pork, oven-baked apples, chocolate cupcakes, cheesecakes, ciambella, Tiramisù and chocolate salami.