Pōkeno First Fill Casks is a rich, sherry-forward single malt from Pōkeno Whisky Company, New Zealand's largest whisky distillery, matured across first-fill ex-Sherry, ex-Bourbon and toasted virgin oak casks and bottled at 48.2% ABV. Released as a one-off batch following Pōkeno's "World's Best Other Single Malt" win, this expression is unchillfiltered and naturally coloured, built for depth and weight rather than subtlety.

Pōkeno First Fill Casks Tasting Notes

Nose: Dark butterscotch, spiced brioche French toast, and toasted cinnamon.
Palate: Deep and layered, with dark cherry, syrupy stewed plum, and macerated raisin.
Finish: Long and velvety, closing on cherry chocolate and Amontillado cask spice.

Why Choose Pōkeno First Fill Casks?

Marrying Pōkeno's richest first-fill wood into a single batch, this release shows the distillery's sherry-cask character at its most concentrated. The combination of Spanish PX, Moscatel, and virgin American oak delivers a fruit-driven, full-bodied dram without relying on peat or smoke — a strong pick for collectors building out their New Zealand single malt shelf, and for anyone after a weightier winter pour.

What Makes Pōkeno Whisky Company Unique?

Founded in 2017 by Matt and Céline Johns, Pōkeno Whisky Company distils south of Auckland on New Zealand's North Island using pure spring water drawn from the surrounding volcanic hills. Head Distiller Rohan McGowan's slow fermentation and double distillation process produces a rich, malty, fruit-forward spirit, matured across ex-Bourbon, Sherry, and local red wine casks. With its own in-house cooperage — a rarity even among established distilleries — Pōkeno has grown into New Zealand's largest whisky producer while keeping a focus on quality over volume.