Pokeno Origin Aotearoa New Zealand Single Malt Whisky
Pokeno Origin Aotearoa New Zealand Single Malt Whisky is an 86-proof (43% ABV) single malt from Pokeno Distillery on New Zealand's North Island — the flagship of the country's largest single malt distillery, founded in 2017 with the specific vision of putting New Zealand on the whisky map. Matured in first-fill bourbon barrels (ex-Jack Daniel's casks) and made from 100% malted barley, it is bottled at a bright, approachable strength in a 700mL bottle. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- Size: 700mL
- Casks: First-fill bourbon barrels — no age statement
- Mash: 100% malted barley, distilled and matured on site
- Producer: Pokeno Distillery, North Island, Aotearoa New Zealand — founded 2017
New Zealand's Single Malt Statement
Pokeno handles everything on site — distilling, maturation, bottling, even barrel work in its own cooperage — and the hot, maritime North Island climate gives the spirit a full-bodied sweetness that drinks beyond its years. Reviewers describe it as tropical in character: guava, tropical melon, stewed white grapes, and sangria over a buttery, shortbread-cookie malt core, with a velvety pepper and oak bite growing slowly in the background. Drinkhacker found it could easily pass for a bourbon-barrel-aged Scotch — light, buttery grains with a pinch of citrus, a perfect aperitif malt. For the whisky explorer, this is genuinely new territory: an entire country's single malt tradition in one bottle. Shop the Pokeno range and discover more international whisky at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
The nose is fresh and tropical: light buttery grains, citrus zest, and sweet malt over ex-bourbon vanilla. The palate is creamy and bright — shortbread, nougat, almond butter, coconut, and lemon extract with a peppery oak undertone. The finish is medium and sunshine-bright, with lingering malt sweetness and gentle spice.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a splash of water as an aperitif whisky — its brightness makes it a natural opener before heavier pours. It also works beautifully in a whisky highball with soda and lemon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pokeno whisky made?
At Pokeno Distillery on the North Island of New Zealand (Aotearoa) — the country's largest single malt distillery, founded in 2017, importing to the US via ImpEx.
What casks does Pokeno Origin mature in?
First-fill bourbon barrels — ex-Jack Daniel's casks — which give it the buttery, vanilla-forward character reviewers note.
How old is Pokeno Origin?
No age statement; reviewers place it at 2+ years, with the warm New Zealand climate accelerating maturation.
Grab Pokeno Origin online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — New Zealand single malt, ready to order and ship to your door.