New Zealand Whisky

This expression from Thomson is a blend of Thomson's own New Zealand Whisky, as well as hand selected imported Whisky, which is then married and aged further in Thomson's own casks. Two Tone refers to the 2 kinds of cask used for the maturation of this Thomson whisky - European oak which formerly held New Zealand red wine, and American white oak used exclusively for whisky. 

Subtle notes of sea spray can be found on the nose, along with caramelised fruits, which is followed by a palate of abundant sweet fruity notes and light baking spice.

Distilled at the Thomson whisky distillery in Auckland, this progress report bottling represents one of the few examples of Manuka smoked barley spirit produced in New Zealand. Made from Canterbury-grown barley that has been dried with the perfumed smoke of the Manuka shrub, this bottling has a balanced smokyness that evokes clove and cinnamon spice and a distinctive Manuka oil aroma.

Produced from batches of barley that have been dried over South Island peat smoke, this release from Thomson whisky has a distinctive whiff of earthy smoke, iodine and sweet woody tones. A charred and burnt quality is found throughout, lingering with an edge of ash. One of the only New Zealand whiskies made with peated barley.

This pack of 2 x 100ml bottles is the perfect way to sample Thomson whisky. Directly compare their Two Tone blended whisky with their Manuka Smoked Single Malt Whisky.

One of the newest on the New Zealand Whisky scene. Pokeno distillery, nestled just outside the small Waikato town of the same name has quickly gained traction both here and abroad. Part of their core release range, the 'Origin' has been distilled using only local New Zealand malted barley, and  exclusively aged in first fill ex Bourbon casks. Bottled at 43% the result is an exceptionally smooth Whisky, perfect for those who are newcomers to the spirit, or indeed those who really enjoy their whisky. 

There are notes of sweet honey, caramel and creamy toffee notes, which give way to juicy citrus and grapefruit, with a sweet, smooth lingering finish.

This expression from Pokeno rounds off their core range, matured in both first fill ex Bourbon casks as well as a selection of ex New Zealand Red Wine casks from an undisclosed winery. This whisky has notes of mango, grapefruit, strawberry bonbons, lychee and sherbet. The finish is sweet and smooth.

The second of Pokeno's three part core range, the 'Discovery' is a combination of spirit that has been matured in a combination of first fill Bourbon casks, as well as both first fill ex Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso Sherry casks before being finally married together. 

The result is a deeper, richer expression, brimmed with notes of dark chocolate and black forest gateau, with ripened cherries and rich dark fruits. The finish is rich and incredibly smooth and long lasting. 

This sherry cask matured whisky is seven years and one day old. Intially matured in a González Byass Oloroso Sherry Butt, it was then transferred to a Pedro Ximénez Butt. There are notes of buttered hot cross buns, nectarines, spices, and borage flower honey.

This 25 year old whisky has been made from malted barley in the Willowbank Distillery, Dunedin and has been maturing in American Oak, Ex-Bourbon barrels. The nose has notes of fruits, sea salt and grassy peat. This develops into a palate that has sweet fruits, vanilla, cinnamon and gentle smoke. The finish is malty with subtle mint and gentle spice.

This whisky has first been matured in a first fill bourbon barrel, it has then been re racked into specially selected virgin cask made from air dried American Oak. The cask has a light toast and char which brings out notes of citrus, vanilla. These notes then develop into shortbread, toasted caramel and cocoa.

This 7th release from Waiheke Whisky was distilled from New Zealand peated malted barley and aged for 4 years initially in ex-bourbon casks. A final year of maturation was in a fortified port-style cask. Dark berry fruits, orange peel, vanilla and peat smoke join red fruits, caramen and smoke.

Years ago, in the Willowbank distillery in Dunedin, a batch of whisky was made in the distillery's pot-stills using unmalted barley. This 'single grain whisky' was then blended with 70% of their single malt, and placed into American Oak, ex-bourbon barrels. Twenty-one years later the NZ Whisky Company have selected casks, that have been stored since the distilleries closure, and bottled them as 'High Wheeler'.

This release from the New Zealand Whisky Collection is of the original Wilson's Matured Blend. This lend is being released as a 21 year old whisky. It has notes of dried yellow fruit, honey and lingering oily fruits.

This tasting set from the New Zealand Whisky Collection has three different whiskies in 100ml bottles. The whiskies are; South Island Single Malt, Dunedin DoubleCask and Oamaruvian Cask Strength. A great way to sample three contrasting single malts.

Made from three hand-selected casks, an ex Olorosso butt, ex Bourbon barrel and an ex Pinot Noir barrique, this whisky has been bottled at 52%. Notes of burnt toffee, vanilla cream, nectarines and gentle pepper can be found in this whisky. Limited release of 1501 bottles.