Pokeno Totara Cask Whisky

Totara is the indigenous tree that built Aotearoa. From the arrival of Maori, the timber from this tree was used to build waka, homes, carvings, weapons and containers for storing food. The wood is hard and straight grained, with very sweet and creamy notes when toasted.

In New Zealand’s only working Cooperage, Mike our Cooper has handcrafted what are the world’s first ever 200 litre totara barrels for maturing whisky, and given them a light toast and a light char.

After a full maturation in first fill bourbon casks, we have transferred the whisky to the totara barrels for a second maturation period.