Pōkeno Origin

A bold, New Zealand Single Malt Whisky from the founders of Pōkeno Whisky Company, located in Auckland's Bombay Hills, New Zealand. It's made with barley and spring water from the region, then matured in bourbon barrels that were used once before. Bottled at 43.0% ABV. It starts with a fragrant nose of grain, wood, herbs, and spices. A luscious and smooth palate brings honey, grapefruit, cherry, and fudge. It finishes with a smooth, medium-length conclusion of black pepper, preserved lemon, oak, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla custard with bananas and plain cookies. January 2024

My initial experience with New Zealand whisky! A pleasingly complex flavor profile. Initially, I detect cherry with a developing heat that softens into a smooth, smoky taste with that familiar cherry undertone. It's not pronounced enough to call it a cherry-flavored whisky, but rather a subtle hint. I will look for this one again.

Immediate, intense richness with hints of lemon and honey. It's not tart, offering just a pleasant touch of citrus. The richness lingers on the palate, creating a tingle that's primarily warmth. While the flavors are subtle, the substantial body creates a contrast that isn't perfectly balanced.

From the 2023 Flaviar Advent Calendar - day 23 👃: pleasant combination of sweet notes - honey and vanilla 👅: light and herbal, with just a trace of the sweetness detected in the aroma 🏁: extremely smooth, with a slight oak presence as it goes down

Very light and fruity. It's definitely still whiskey but likely the lightest and fruitiest option available, also incredibly smooth. A little coconut and honey are also present. A nice change-of-pace whiskey.

The aroma presents herbal and citrus notes with a whisper of beer. It's sweet, yet tart and almost bitter like an IPA. It's rich but the finish is brief with fruit and spice.