Behind-the-Scenes & Brand Stories

Pokeno Whisky: A New Zealand Single Malt Whisky Revolution

Pokeno Whisky: A New Zealand Single Malt Whisky Revolution

At Mizunara: The Shop, Matt and Celine of Pokeno Whisky shared their passion for crafting New Zealand's single malt. Matt, with over 25 years in whisky, highlighted the evolving Scotch industry and admiration for New World distilleries. Their choice of Jack Daniel's barrels stems from a quarter-century partnership with Brown-Forman, ensuring top quality. Exploring Pokeno's climate, they revealed rapid whisky aging, emphasizing careful maturation for optimal flavor in 3.5 to 5 years, a stark contrast to Scotland's slower process. The subtropical warmth of New Zealand crafts a unique, swift maturation, demanding precision to balance flavor without overwhelming wood influences.