Thomson – New Zealand Single Malt Whisky Manuka Smoke (70cl, 46%)

A New Zealand single malt from the Thomson Distillery in Kumeu, north of Auckland, bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle and without added colouring. The spirit is distilled in hand-hammered copper stills. It is made from New Zealand barley grown on the South Island, dried over burning manuka wood, which gives a smoke character different from peat. Maturation in bourbon casks follows. It was named best New Zealand single malt in 2019. The nose is vanilla, elegant smoke and soft oak. The palate brings strong smoke, earthiness, herbs, cinnamon and white pepper. The finish is smoky, with cream toffee and wood.