Pokeno “Exploration Series – Winter Malt” Single Malt Whisky (New Zealand) – [IWSC 91] [WA 91]

Introduction

Distillery Notes:

In 2017 Pkeno Whisky was founded with a vision to put New Zealand on the map as a producer of single malt whisky. It is the largest single malt distillery in the country.

Today, the Pkeno Whisky Company handles all processing on site at a state-of-the-art distillery with maturation warehouses, filtration and bottling facilities, and a fully functional cooperage.

Everything done here is driven by a goal to create one of the worlds great Single Malts. Batch production, long fermentation, and slow distillation are just a few of the things that help make them different. As craft distillers, they are also able to focus on quality over quantity and on doing things their way, not the easy way.

Using only pure volcanic spring water from the North Island distillerys surrounding volcanic hills and family-farmed barley from New Zealands rich, fertile South Island, Pkeno selects only the finest casks to mature their precious spirit, and the warm subtropical local climate accelerates its maturation and flavor development.

All of this allows Pkeno to produce Single Malt whisky with exceptional body and flavor; whisky that captures the pure spirit of Aotearoa New Zealand.

About the Whisky:

Our winter malt was inspired by the unique selection of New Zealand malts that we chose for our mashbill:

Manuka Smoked Malt: The Manuka tree is indigenous to New Zealand, and this is the worlds only manuka smoked malt. It has a smooth, sweet smokiness

Chocolate Roasted Malt: This is specially roasted for us, and has lovely coffee and chocolate aromas.

Toffee Malt: This is a unique malt, roasted at very low temperatures and then caramelised. It adds honey and toffee flavours.

Laureate Distillers Malt: This is a very sweet and floral malt.

We have then aged the Winter malt in only the finest first fill bourbon barrels.

Bottled at 48% abv.

Tasting Notes:

On the nose there is sweet honied smoke, chocolate caramel slice, vanilla bean and toffee. In the mouth notes of bitter dark chocolate and cocoa beans, mingle beautifully with creamy fudge, for a long, sweet and smoky finish.
Awards/Reviews:
Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024
91 Points – Whisky Advocate“A compelling experiment matured in first-fil bourbon barrels, the mashbill comprises manuka-smoked malt, chocolate-roasted malt, and toffee malt. Sweet smoke pervades the attractive combined aromas of chocolate, heather honey, dried apricot, and vanilla essence. On the palate, bitter dark chocolate takes center stage, supported by cocoa, nutmeg, chocolate ganache, and notes of Turkish delight, black cherry, clove, and pepper.“

91 Points – Intl Wine & Spirits Competition 2024

“A subtly peated aroma with notes of tropical fruits, nuts, and sunflower seeds. The complex, spicy palate has dark chocolate and roasted coffee notes, complemented by hints of vanilla syrup.“