Pōkeno: Exploration Series 'Totara Cask' Finish New Zealand Single Malt Whisky

Pōkeno Distillery is situated in a warm, misty, humid valley surrounded by volcanic hills, where it sources pure natural spring water. The distillery prides itself on using high-quality barley from three family-owned farms in New Zealand's fertile South Island. This commitment to excellence, combined with slow fermentation, distillation, and careful maturation in first-fill casks, gives Pōkeno Whisky its distinctive character.

TOTARA is the indigenous tree that built Aotearoa (New Zealand). Since the arrival of the Māori, the timber from this tree has been used to construct waka (canoes), homes, carvings, weapons, and containers for food storage. The wood is known for its hard, straight grain and imparts sweet and creamy notes when toasted. Pōkeno boasts New Zealand’s only working cooperage, where the world’s first-ever 200L Totara barrels have been crafted with a light toast and light char for maturing whisky.

After a full maturation in first-fill bourbon casks, this whisky was transferred to Totara barrels for a secondary maturation period, allowing for a unique flavor profile.

700ml; 46%ABV.

Tasting Notes: Creamy coconut, sweet scented sap, ripe white peach and freshly cut wood.