Pokeno Revelation Single Malt New Zealand Whisky (700ml)

Five years since the first foundations were placed for its state-of-the-art distillery, Pokeno have launched four new whiskies. Free from the volume pressures that larger-scale, big-brand producers face, founder Matthew Johns and head distiller, Rohan McGowan revel in the ability to experiment with long ferments and slow distillations in order to extract the maximum body and flavour from the barley, which they source from three family-owned farms in the South Island. “As an independent distillery, and a small team passionate about our craft, we’re entirely driven by quality, not volume; on doing things our way, not the easy way – with no compromise on any part of the process,” says Johns.

Revelation is fully matured in first-fill bourbon and New Zealand Red Wine casks from one of the distiller's favourite wineries. It's a sweet and smooth whisky that comes with beautiful notes of mango, grapefruit, strawberry bonbons, lychee and sherbet, which combine for a sweet and smooth taste of summer. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... youthful but this has weight and something to say; where the barley is lightly honied yet bold, the fruit is dry and lightly spiced, not unlike drying grape skin. 94 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2024