Description

Pōkeno Prohibition Porter First Fill Bourbon Cask Single Malt Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 46%           Age: No Age Statement            Country: New Zealand

The Pōkeno Distillery is nestled in a warm, often misty valley, protected by the volcanic hills from which they source their pure spring water, Pōkeno is a hidden treasure of the remote and beautiful land – and a natural choice of location for a state-of-the-art distillery.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Dark fruits, including plums and cherries, intertwined with an opulent, sherried sweetness. Subtle notes of oak and a hint of chocolate create an air of intrigue, akin to the smoky speakeasies of the past.

Palate: Velvety, smooth texture carries an orchestra of ripe berries and dried fruits, complemented by nuances of caramel and spice. The influence of Oloroso Sherry casks is evident, infusing the whisky with layers of complexity and a gentle warmth. The overall taste is bold and captivating, a tribute to the spirit of the Prohibition era.

Finish: Lasting warmth and a whisper of oak that resonates with the spirit of the past. Hints of toffee and a subtle spice underscore the whisky’s depth, making it a gratifying conclusion to the tasting journey.

Awards

Review from Jim Murray – (Liquid Gold Medal)

“The malt is brittle and profound. In the background, though, the pleasant acidic nip of something a little burned… What a delivery! Unique! And truly delicious. Myriad barley tones fizz at the taste buds, ranging from an almost Irish pot still unmalted hardness, through concentrated, sweet barley and finally reaching something far more toasty and eye-watering. In the meantime the structure of the whisky itself changes and becomes increasingly oily to the point of outright creaminess…almost like an old- fashioned milk stout…  and now we’re back to that burnt malt character again…but so much more. The cream brings with it some latent cocoa and even some Seville orange from gawd knows where. The final embers though are those of intense malt and chalky vanillas: complex; OK, OK, I admit it! Experience has taught me to fear the worst with beer accented whisky: the hop bitterness has ruined many a promising distillation. So, I feared the worst. Not here, though. The main characteristic from the Porter is a prevailing roastiness, with a chocolatey sub-plot. Thankfully the hop makes no appearance whatsoever. Creamy and complex, it belies its years with an assured performance, surprising for a new distillery…A minor classic, it has to be said. And for a three-year-old…simply ridiculously good…”