NV Cardrona - Otago Pinot Cask (52%)

Celebrating cult Kiwi distillery’s seventh anniversary (November 2022), this special release is the first whisky from Cardrona bottled in 70cl. The single malt spent four years in French oak casks that were previously used to mature Pinot Noir from one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wineries – Felton Road. As the barrels were immediately transferred from Felton Road after use, they didn’t need to be re-charred (unlike most second-hand barrels), therefore retaining many fruit elements from the wine. You can immediately feel the Pinot Noir influence in the whisky – red apple skins, hints of grappa and pomace fill the nose, alongside a lovely spicy character. The texture is beautiful – the whisky has an amazingly thick, creamy viscosity and a distinctly fruity palate. It is very elegant and refined with a chamomile note and a little caramel character lingering on the long, creamy finish. For a whisky of just four years, this is superbly balanced and charming. Aged at 600m above sea-level, 3% of the whisky is lost to evaporation (the angel’s share) each year – adding to the single malt’s intense concentration. Just 1,217 bottles were produced.