Waiheke Whisky – The Sweetwater (70cl, 41%)

The Sweetwater is a 5 year old non-peated single malt from Waiheke Whisky in New Zealand, bottled at 41% ABV in a 70cl bottle. It is non-chill filtered, with no added colour. The New Zealand malt was milled and mashed on Waiheke Island, then double distilled in copper pot stills in 2017. It aged in French oak white wine casks that had been shaved, toasted and re-charred, and was finished in ex-bourbon casks before bottling in 2022. The aroma is honey, orange peel and vanilla. The palate opens with candied orange, apricot and honeycomb, leading to a dry, peppery finish with hints of lemon and pips.