Thomson Manuka Smoke "Progress Report"

I met Mathew Thomson 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 away from coming together. 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.

Managed to make it to this distillery last weekend as part of a stag do and tried a tasting flight including this one. Definitely a different experience. Wouldn't drink to much of it but an extra .25 for uniqueness. Users NZ barley smoked over native Manuka wood. Younger but not harsh, manuka smoke dominates. 3.5

Extremely unique. Nose is toothpaste, menthol and spearmint. Flavor is the same, with a charred smoked (not peated) vibe to it with a light bitterness like mesquite. One of the most unique whiskies ive tried.

A foul concoction that combines a heavy handed dose of honey with acrid smoke. The final result resembles turpentine. Avoid at all costs!

lightly herbal smoke, lingering caramel and spice. very pleasant