PokenoOriginSingleMaltNewZealandWhisky(700ml)

Sans The New Zealand scene has gone from just one distillery that closed in 1997 (Willowbankin Dunedin) to over ten small-scale and craft distillers.One new venture, nestled amongst the volcanic mountains and misty valleys of the Waikato region is a family-owned and operated passion project aiming to distill in the style of the finest Speyside malts. And with decades of whisky industry experience, Matthew Johns, who has been associated with some of the biggest names in the world of single malts hasPokeno right on track. Founded in 2017, it is already the largest single malt distillery in the country, handling all aspects of production on-site, including maturation and bottling. It even has its own cooperage. According to some tasters, what’s coming out of barrel now resembles Japanese whisky, showing more delicacy than most Scotch, and zero peat. Four whiskies make up the current range. ‘Originâ€?/em> comes aged in ex-bourbon casks, making for a pure, light, breezy, well-rounded whisky with hints of honey drizzled fruits (think dried pear or cantaloupe), followed by suggestions of honey, cream and coconut chocolate through the medium-long finish. 43% Alc./vol. Non-chill filtered.