I didn't make the most recent Regional tasting, so consoled myself with a tasting box from a new(ish) NZ distillery, Waiheke Whisky. They've released a set of four samples (3 whiskies, 1 new make spirit) which you can get here: https://waihekewhisky.com/products/nz-peat-tasting-set
Well, you could, but it's now sold out. So you'll have to live with my reviews.... I will say the info sheet they included was great, included yeast type, wash ABV, Spirit on/off concentrations, all great geek info.
Peated New Make 2022 45%
- Nose: rubber, flowers, car parts, medicinal, damp dog/wool, peat, menthol
- Palate: rubber, peat, vigorous, pepper, grainy, salty
- Finish: med-long, hot pepper, peat, dry
as a new make, 6/10
Moss - lightly peated NZ single malt, WW Release 01 44% 2017-2022 American oak, ex-bourbon
- Nose: floral, vanilla, rubber, medicinal
- Palate: honey, toffee, spikey, spicy
- Finish: long, smooth
7/10
Seris 1 - lightly peated NZ single malt, WW Release 02; 42% 2016-2022 American oak, PX sherry
- Nose: perfume, marshmallows, great, sherry, sandlewood, parma violets
- Palate: sherry, watery, hint of peat, spicy
- Finish: med, spicy, builds
6/10 didn't live up to the nose unfortunately, but potential is there.
Bog Monster 46% heavily peated 2015-2022, Virgin American oak, ex-bourbon. WW release 05
- Nose: sweet, dry, iodine, camphor, parma violets, lemon
- Palate: spicy, peat, salt, dry, earthy, peppery
- Finish: med-long
8/10 I liked this a lot. strong whisky, obviously I'm wanting some cask strength, but eh I'd buy a bottle of this.
Overall, good whiskies, young, but real potential. There is no reason why NZ can't make world leading whiskies, except for the cost of getting good barrels here. And as a number of the new NZ distillers are turning to wine barrels, the future is looking very good.
