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Whisky Review: Pōkeno Origin Single Malt

We review Pōkeno Origin, a New Zealand single malt that's been aged in ex-bourbon casks.

OVERALL RATING

5
  • Ryan O'Doherty is a former distiller and whiskey enthusiast.
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Pōkeno Origin review

Tasting Notes

About:

Mash Bill: 100% malted barley. 43% ABV. Aged in ex-bourbon casks.
Appearance:
light yellow, similar to a Pinot Gris.
Nose:
The nose is very citrusy with hints of lemon. It’s very light in general, with zero alcohol burn on the back end. The lightness of the citrus is then slightly offset but a honey sweetness that also grounds the overall aroma with a full-bodied-ness. . There’s a bit more alcohol bite than on the nose, but overall, it’s incredibly smooth. It does though lack an overall distinctive flavor that would make it interesting. Whisky Review: P?keno Origin Single Malt 2.5 Final Thoughts Silky smooth and pleasantly light on the
Palate:


Finish:
Comments:
Silky smooth and pleasantly light on the palate, the Origin whisky from P?keno matches the distillery’s signature smooth taste, but ultimately falls a bit short on delivering something memorable. You can come for the texture and the surprisingly light flavor profile that almost resembles a sake, but you will probably leave wishing there was just a bit more excitement to the flavor profile overall.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Ryan O'Doherty

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Ryan O'Doherty is a former distiller at Jackson Hole Still Works in Wyoming. A devoted fan of both whiskey and golf, he particularly relishes the opportunity to enjoy them in tandem.

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