Whisky from New Zealand is such a rarity that we don’t have a class for it — but, anyway. Pokeno was based right here solely in 2017, with the precise imaginative and prescient of placing New Zealand on the map as a producer of single malt whisky. It’s already the most important single malt distillery within the nation, and it handles all processing of its merchandise on web site, together with maturation and bottling — and even barrel work, because it has a full cooperage on web site.
Pokeno has three whiskies in its normal vary — two of which can be found within the U.S. now — and a wide range of more and more fascinating single cask releases. Right now we’re taking a look at each of these normal releases and one single cask, all accessible now because of importer ImpEx.
Pokeno Origin New Zealand Single Malt Whisky – Matured in first-fill bourbon barrels. No age statements. A refreshing single malt, it might simply move for a bourbon barrel-aged Scotch. Gentle, buttery grains and a pinch of citrus are evident on the recent nostril, and the identical comply with via on the palate. Nearly coming throughout like a shortbread cookie, the creamy whisky showcases a barely nutty character that evokes nougat, almond butter, coconut, and once more some lemon extract, filtering into the end. Shiny as sunshine, it’s an ideal (if uncomplicated) aperitif. 86 proof. A- / $63 [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE]
Pokeno Discovery New Zealand Single Malt Whisky – A mix of whiskies totally matured in first-fill bourbon, oloroso sherry, and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, all mingled after growing old (no age acknowledged). The flipside of the bourbon-barreled expression, with the influence of sherry firmly evident. The mix of oloroso and PX — alongside the bourbon barrels — makes for some added complexity, albeit much less readability. The sherry isn’t as sharp on the nostril or the palate as you would possibly anticipate — significantly with PX within the combine — resulting in each aromatics and flavors of Japanese spices, recent leather-based, and a pecan word. The end is surprisingly delicate, acknowledging the sherry affect solely modestly. Largely, it’s the citrus that’s endemic to sherry growing old that’s extra muted right here than I anticipated, although that’s not altogether a nasty factor. Nonetheless, I used to be anticipating to see extra energy out of this bottling. I sipped on the Origin expression for fairly a bit longer. 86 proof. B+ / $67
Pokeno Double Bourbon Single Cask Single Malt Whisky Cask #21-415 – Aged in a first-fill bourbon barrel, then re-racked right into a recent bourbon barrel for one more 6 months. It’s clearly a bit darker in shade, and extra aggressive on the nostril (although word the upper abv). To get right here, take the basic flavors of Origin and pump them up. Shortbread cookie turns into chocolate chip. A twist of lemon turns into a finger of Buddha’s hand. Gentle coconut notes develop into Lady Scout Samoas. There’s a much bigger, oily physique right here to again all that up, too, once more powered by some additional alcohol and a end that sees a stunning diploma of baking spice folded into the combination — nearly floral at instances. I don’t know that I like this “higher” than Origin, however it’s definitely received a a lot bolder, extra intriguing depth. 92 proof. A- / $113
All 700ml bottles.
Pokeno Discovery New Zealand Single Malt Whisky
$67
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