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Whisky Review: Pōkeno Discovery Single Malt

We review Pōkeno Discovery, a New Zealand single malt aged in bourbon and Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.

OVERALL RATING

9
  • Ryan O'Doherty is a former distiller and whiskey enthusiast.
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Pōkeno Discovery review

Tasting Notes

About:

Mash Bill: 100% malted barley. 43% ABV. Aged in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez Bourbon and Sherry Casks.
Appearance:
Mahogany.
Nose:
The aroma has a really pleasant sweetness to it, almost like a fruit jam that’s been mixed with honey. But the citric notes are muted by the combination of a mellow, woody scent that mixes in nicely.
Palate:
The flavor is incredibly smooth and is comparable to some of the best Japanese whiskies that I’ve tried. On their website one of the descriptors the brand used is “black forest gateau,” which I have to say is more accurate than anything else I could think of. There’s a light chocolate flavor, with a hint of dark cherry, and then more than anything else a really unique earthy-ness to it all (to take the ‘forest’ in ‘black forest’ literally).
Finish:
Comments:
A really unique whisky that you should absolutely seek out. Drink this straight, with no ice, and absolutely do not mix it with anything. Simply enjoy the amazingly complex and unique flavor on its own. If P?keno’s goal is to put New Zealand on the map, I think this whisky does an amazing job of giving a unique flavor and experience to the region that you can’t find from any other country.

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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