Founded in 2017 by Matt Johns, Pōkeno Whisky Co. is located just over 50km southeast of Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand. The subtropical climate here means the angel's share is around 8% per year. The single malt whisky is made with family-farmed barley from the South Island along with volcanic spring water from the North Island. Discovery is fully matured in first-fill bourbon, oloroso sherry or PX sherry casks. Then the three parcels are married and bottled at 43% ABV. The brand launched in the US in January 2023. (SRP $75)
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Showing the most detailed of 5 parsed reviews.
Nose is rich and tropical with ripe banana and papaya. Lots of dried dark fruit with some bright candied citrus shining through. Taste is chocolate covered dried fruit. Finishes with raisiny sherry. A bit hot and a slight bit astringent but the overall texture is actually pretty amazing for it being as low as 43%. Well done, though I'm not sure it's necessarily worth the price.
Semisweet banana runts nose. Carries slightly into the palate with dried fruit and malt sugar. Soft mouth. Easy drinking. Nothing amazing but a solid single malt.
Balanced between bourbon and sherry. Bordering on boring though
Amazing whiskey full of sherry notes. Rock sweet and oily feel.
Very hot probably because it is too young
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.
