Puni Sole 4 Years Release 2017
Whisky from Italy? What sounded exotic a few years ago has become a reality thanks to the Puni distillery. The Puni Sole 4 years (release 2017) is a young but exciting whisky that develops a complex interplay of flavours thanks to its maturation in bourbon and sherry casks. At 46% vol., it has a pleasant strength without being overpowering.
Tasting Notes
Nose
At the first nosing, classic bourbon barrel notes fill the nose: vanilla, honey and a malty sweetness characterise the first impression. This is joined by a fresh, floral note that is almost reminiscent of lemonade. But that's not all - the flavours of the sherry cask resonate subtly in the background: a hint of marzipan, pecan and a hint of milk chocolate provide an exciting depth.
Palate
An impressively high flavour density meets an oily texture. Notes of green apple and fresh apple juice provide a lively fruitiness, while gooseberry and honey create a sweet yet slightly acidic balance. White pepper adds a gentle spiciness, while a hint of sugar syrup appears underneath.
Finish
The finish is somewhat lighter compared to the rest of the profile, but still pleasantly long. The sweetness remains, accompanied by a fine oak flavour. Not a powerful finish, but an elegant, gentle finish.
Thoughts
Marcel 75/100
The Puni Sole 4 Years surprises with lively fruitiness and a pleasant sweetness that simply makes you want to take the next sip. For a young whisky, it is remarkably rounded and shows that Italian whisky can be more than just exotic – pure drinking pleasure!
Sascha 78/100
A well-structured whisky with a balanced interplay between bourbon-typical vanilla and subtle sherry notes, which, despite its young age of 4 years, offers a remarkable flavor density. The elegant finish and the harmonious integration of 46% ABV make it a solid representative of modern Italian whisky craftsmanship.
Value for Money: Fair
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How does the combination of bourbon and sherry casks influence the taste of the Puni Sole 4 Years?
Maturation in bourbon casks imparts vanilla, honey, and malty notes to the whisky, while the sherry casks add delicate aromas of marzipan, pecan nuts, and milk chocolate. This combination creates a complex and well-balanced aromatic profile.
What makes the Puni Sole 4 Years special as an Italian whisky compared to traditional whiskies from Scotland or Ireland?
The Puni Sole 4 Years stands out due to its Italian origin, where the climate and distillation techniques foster a unique character. Its fruity freshness and the blend of bourbon and sherry cask maturation give it a distinctive profile that sets it apart from classic Scottish or Irish whiskies.
How does the age of 4 years affect the complexity and taste of the Puni Sole?
At 4 years old, the Puni Sole is a young whisky that nevertheless offers surprising flavor density and complexity. The maturation in two types of casks adds depth, while the relatively short time in the barrel preserves lively fruitiness and a certain freshness.