Origin: Piemonte (Italy)
Type: Italian Malt Whisky
Strength: 48%ABV
Ageing Casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex Grappa
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: No
Owner: Mazzetti d’Altavilla S.r.l.
Price: € 59.00 on Mazzetti
Official website: mazzetti.it
Another notch is added to the growing list of whiskies produced on Italian soil, and as is often the case, it is those who have decades of experience with stills who try their hand at distilling cereals.
Founded in Monferrato in 1846 and always run by the Mazzetti family, now in its seventh generation, the company initially devoted itself to the production of grappa, of which it became one of the most renowned producers in Italy, and then added other spirits such as brandy, liqueurs, gin and, from the end of 2024, even the first whisky, “according to Mazzetti” as it states on the label.
A malt with an important alcohol strength (a note of merit for the distillery), from Piedmont malt distilled in a steam bain-marie still and aged only in ex-bourbon and ex-Grappa casks, between three and five years, with the name playing with the palindromic meaning of Omina, a Latin term extracted from the motto nomina sunt omina that recalls the challenge of remaining modern while respecting tradition.
And what greater challenge than to try one’s hand at the King of Spirits?
Tasting Notes
Youth is all on the nose, with a strong presence of nuts (pecans, hazelnuts, peanuts) and cereals, opening over time to evocations of acacia honey, cooked cream, nutmeg, anise and bitter cocoa. A vegetal thread with balsamic traits stitches together the aromas, which tend to round out in length, bringing the sweetness of the ex-Bourbon casks to the fore.
The malt returns on the palate, warm and round, teased by spices (black pepper, nutmeg, anise) and notes of coffee and chocolate that remain in the background. Nuts still protagonist, accompanied by sweet licorice, a hint of strudel (with lots of sultanas), pear abate and balsamic afflatus more evident on the lenght. Firm and creamy texture.
Fairly long finish of coffee, nuts, chocolate, cereals, spice and balsamic notes.
Net of the youth that inevitably holds back its evolution in drinking, a solid and pleasant whisky that still lacks personality that could develop in more mature aging. I look forward to them in a few years.
Vote: 82/100