New Zealand distillery Pōkeno has partnered with licensed collectibles company Syzygy Forge to launch Ringbearer Single Malt Whisky, marking the 25th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
The officially licensed limited edition is bottled at 46% ABV and priced at $109.99 for a 700ml bottle. Alexander Murray & Company will import the whisky exclusively into the United States.
Announced on September 22, the collaboration connects a New Zealand-made spirit with the country where the films were shot. Syzygy Forge founder Jordan Costner and co-founder Shawn Mason developed the project with Pōkeno co-founder Matt Johns.
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READ THE STORY“Working with Pōkeno gave us the opportunity to create something that feels genuinely connected to New Zealand,” said Costner. “Ringbearer is more than a licensed whisky. It’s a celebration of the land, the craft, and the place that helped bring Middle-earth to life on the big screen.”
Described by the companies as at least six years old, Ringbearer combines whisky matured in four cask types: first-fill bourbon, virgin American oak, French Muscat and Manuka honey-seasoned casks.
Pōkeno uses 100% malted barley sourced from New Zealand’s South Island family farms, with fermentation lasting approximately 90 hours. The distillery matures its whisky in the local subtropical climate.
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Johns highlighted the honey-seasoned casks as a point of difference for the expression.
“We have pushed the boundaries with Ringbearer with the use of Manuka honey seasoned casks which is the first time that this has been done,” he said.
Official notes from the brand describe vanilla, white chocolate, Manuka honey and white peach on the nose. The palate is described as offering spice, banana and melon, followed by honey on buttered toast, with lingering honey sweetness and warmth on the finish.
Designed by Syzygy Forge, the release features packaging commemorating the film’s anniversary and is intended for global distribution.
Ringbearer will be available through authorized retailers in select markets and licensed online retail partners where permitted by law. Further purchasing information will be provided through Syzygy Forge.
