Thomson Manuka Smoke "Progress Report"

I met a distiller in 2019 and was intrigued by his innovative mindset and dedication to create an authentic New Zealand whisky. Manuka wood smoke is both singular and hard to describe, but it works. On the nose, heather honey, bay leaf and incense sticks mix with lime, rubber and distant campfire notes. Herbal-fresh and effervescent, the taste develops with menthol, grapefruit and well-integrated smoke. Licorice, peppermint tea and a touch of quality oak linger in the savory finish. This malt does not imitate Scotch, and that's refreshing to see! RATING: 3.7/5.0 stars ≙ 85 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [+]

I'm not sure why you would bottle and then sell an unfinished product. Especially when it is so far from being complete. I get that it may well one day become a decent whiskey... but right now it's not much fun to drink and that's really the only sensible way to score it. Smoky like a campfire (ie annoying and hurts your eyes)... no peat, just wood that is a long way from becoming integrated. I can't help think that this is sold purely as a tourist novelty... maybe I'll have a slumber party and make manuka honey hot toddys to finish off the bottle.

Visited this distillery recently as part of a bachelor party and sampled a flight, including this spirit. It's certainly a unique experience. I wouldn't consume much of it, but I'll give it an extra 0.25 for originality. Made with New Zealand barley smoked over native Manuka wood. Despite being younger, it's not harsh, with the Manuka smoke being the dominant characteristic. Rated 3.5.

Very one-of-a-kind. The aroma offers toothpaste, menthol, and spearmint. The taste mirrors this, with a smoky, charred character (not peaty) and a faint, mesquite-like bitterness. Truly one of the most distinctive whiskies I've encountered.

An awful mixture combining a heavy amount of honey with a harsh smoky taste. It ends up tasting like paint thinner. Stay away!

A gentle whiff of herbs mixed with smoke, followed by lasting notes of caramel and spice. Quite enjoyable.