Italian Whisky

A handful of distillers, a distinct style

Italy is famous for wine and grappa; whisky is a newer story. A number of small distillers now make Italian whisky that lean on the country's winemaking heritage instead of copying Scotland.

Three grains, not one

Several of these whiskies are distilled from a mash of malted barley, rye and wheat together. This gives the spirit a spicier, textured base than a typical single malt made from barley.

Wine casks do the finishing

Pinot Noir, sherry and Pedro Ximénez casks all appear as finishes, sometimes in octave casks that speed up the exchange between wood and spirit. Expect fruit and spice layered over a biscuity malt base, usually bottled at around four years old.