Pōkeno – Exploration Series Totara Cask Finish New Zealand Single Malt Whisky (70cl, 46%)

A New Zealand single malt from Pōkeno, bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle. The whisky first matured fully in first-fill bourbon casks, then moved into totara barrels for a second maturation. Totara is an indigenous New Zealand tree whose timber has been used since the arrival of Māori for building waka, homes, carvings, weapons and food containers. The distillery draws its barley from three family-owned farms on the South Island. The nose offers creamy coconut, sweet-scented sap, ripe white peach and freshly cut wood. The palate brings bitter lemon, stone fruit and hints of dark chocolate, and the long, sweet finish keeps the totara influence.