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New Zealand Distillery Crafts Whisky in Rare Kauri Cask

A New Zealand distillery has created a whisky aged in a kauri cask, a rare feat given the wood’s scarcity and challenging properties. The resulting spirit is a unique expression of Kiwi craftsmanship, with a flavor profile that’s proving to be quite distinct.

The Kauri Challenge

In 2023, the company launched a native wood cask project, the first of which was a tōtara cask whisky. This inaugural whisky earned awards at several international competitions. Now, they’ve set their sights on a second: a kauri single-cask whisky. According to Johns, the kauri cask almost didn’t come to fruition.

Kauri is notoriously difficult to work with. It’s not just the difficulty in acquiring it. “It’s very brittle and snaps and breaks and cracks,” explained Johns.

The kauri cask is eye-catching, not only due to its small size, but also because: droplets of whisky have forced themselves through staves in several parts of the barrel. Photo / Danielle Zollickhofer

A Cooper’s Expertise

The team obtained the kauri wood from a Te Kauwhata resident who had it stored for three decades. Mike Tawse, a cooper originally from Scotland, is believed to be the only person in New Zealand trained in the craft of barrel making.

Tawse described the kauri cask’s creation as “certainly been a challenge.” He added, “It was breaking as I was making it, but I just persevered. In the end, it was a bit smaller than I would have liked it to be, but I just had to say that’s good enough.”

Flavor Profile and Release

“It’s interesting on the nose, very rich and perfumy that you wouldn’t associate with whisky at all. But when we first tried it, it did have a dryness that wasn’t good,” said Johns.

He continued, “A year in, we randomly found it and tried it again and we thought oh wow, it’s actually good. It’s difficult to describe.”

According to Statista, the global whisky market is forecast to reach $78.97 billion in revenue in 2024. The demand for unique, small-batch whiskies like this is growing.

More Special Editions

The distillery is also set to launch a sauvignon blanc cask whisky in partnership with The Hunting Lodge Winery. This whisky matured entirely in a sauvignon blanc barrel. “You can really smell and taste the sauvignon blanc and those lovely citrus notes,” said Johns.

Johns stated that the kauri cask will be a limited release of approximately 100 bottles, available exclusively in New Zealand in July. The next native wood cask release, however, is estimated to be two years away.

Pōkeno Whisky continues native wood cask range, works to put New Zealand on whisky map
Pōkeno Whisky’s cooper Mike Tawse at work. Photo / Supplied

The company is also experimenting with tawa wood for future releases. Tawse noted that coopering is a unique, though physically demanding, trade.

Pōkeno Whisky is specialised in single malt whisky and is only producing this kind of whisky. Photo / Pōkeno Whisky Co
Pōkeno Whisky is specialised in single malt whisky and is only producing this kind of whisky. Photo / Pōkeno Whisky Co

In addition to the kauri cask, the distillery recently restored a sherry cask, which was a collaboration with Michael Fraser Milne of Whisky Galore. This 100-year-old cask, named Solera La Ina Hogshead No. 121, adds another layer of historical significance to the distillery’s offerings.

Michael Fraser Milne of Christchurch whisky specialist store Whisky Galore.
Photo / supplied
Michael Fraser Milne of Christchurch whisky specialist store Whisky Galore.
Photo / supplied

The distillery, founded in 2017 by Johns and his wife, Celine, is open to visitors on Saturdays. The company is also present at Fieldays, where they recently launched their first Port Cask Whisky.

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Babiš Campaign Trail: Voices from the Czech Republic

Andrej Babiš recently campaigned across the Czech Republic, primarily in the Moravian-Silesian Region. During the events in Jablunkov and Frýdek-Místek, both supporters and opponents voiced their opinions. Discussions about energy costs, housing, and healthcare where prominent during the campaign stops. Reporting from the scene, we’re seeing what the future holds for the Czech Republic.

Jablunkov – May 15, 2024 –

Babiš Campaign Trail: Voices from the Czech Republic

Andrej Babiš, head of the YES movement, recently continued his pre-election campaign across the Moravian-Silesian Region, making stops in Jablunkov and Frýdek-Místek. The campaign events drew both keen supporters and vocal opponents, highlighting the polarized political landscape.

Jablunkov Rally: Energy, Housing, and Healthcare Take Center Stage

In jablunkov, a significant crowd gathered to hear Babiš address key issues. His speech heavily emphasized energy costs, housing affordability, and healthcare accessibility.

  • Energy: Babiš criticized the high cost of energy in the Czech Republic, stating, From the point of view of the purchasing power of the population, we have the most expensive energy in the European Union.Why? The most earning electricity manufacturers, especially CEZ.
  • Housing: He pledged to address housing costs, aiming to change what he described as one of the most expensive housing within Europe. he also mentioned plans for a special law related to housing.
  • Senate Abolishment: One attendee voiced strong opinions about the Senate, saying, I want the Senate to be abolished, Bo is useless. there they just take money and it’s the same pensioner. I am too, but I wouldn’t go there. nemcova has been sitting there for how long she has been seventy and what he does.

Did you know? The Czech Republic’s energy sector has been a subject of intense debate,with discussions focusing on privatization,renewable energy sources,and energy security.

Pensioners’ Perspectives: Goverment Criticism and Support for Babiš

Pensioners at the Jablunkov meeting expressed strong opinions about the current government. One pensioner stated:

The government is the Barab, the rogues. Jurečka and excellent are the worst. They are lying the most and they are from the KDU-ČSL. I don’t even want to listen to them. The more they go to church.

A Pensioner at the Jablunkov Rally

The same individual also criticized the president’s salary, adding, Fuck, the president has a huge salary and he doesn’t feed it?

Other attendees shared their reasons for supporting Babiš. Jana, a middle-aged woman, saeid, Babiš means well with older people. Certainly better than those who now have them in the government. Petra, another attendee, added, Before the elections, everyone tries to please, it is indeed clear. We came to see the curiosity of what interest would be, but not much. However, people probably have politicians in their neck. They do not feed us.

The caravan Ride: An Inside Look

Following the Jablunkov event, Babiš continued his campaign in a caravan. Promotional materials, including books and merchandise with slogans like “Strong Czech Republic,” were visible inside. babiš acknowledged the public’s favor but viewed journalists as a necesary evil, identifying the media as his primary opponent rather than the government coalition.

During the ride, Babiš discussed various topics, including old age, fitness, drugs, and the European Union. He explained his continued fitness, his stance on the Green Deal, his disapproval of the government’s strategic communication, and his appreciation for Donald Trump.

Babiš’s Family Vote: A Look at Czech Politics

Pro Tip: Campaign caravans are a common strategy in political campaigns, allowing candidates to connect with voters in a more personal and informal setting.

Frýdek-Místek: Protests and counter-Arguments

In Frýdek-Místek, Babiš was met by a larger crowd of supporters in Svobody Square, but also by a small group of protesters, reportedly students from Frýdlant nad Ostravicí. The protesters held signs with messages such as Populist, Liar, agent… and accusations of corruption.

Protests against Andrej Babiš in Frýdek-Místek

The protests sparked heated exchanges. One Babiš supporter retorted, Fiala is the biggest liar and a cheater in this republic. A protester challenged this, asking, And you are wrong? A nearby woman countered, I don’t get sick at all, but I don’t like how this government rules. The arguments escalated, with accusations of fascism related to support for Ukraine.

Mike Oganesjan, present at the scene, stated that his group did not specifically oppose Babiš, but were there as of a planned appearance by a misinformer. He added, Otherwise, I do not know who I will vote for, but I know that it will not be fiala or Babis. A common refrain from Babiš supporters directed at the protesters was: You young people know shit what life is!

FAQ: andrej Babiš and the Czech Political Landscape

who is Andrej Babiš?
Andrej Babiš is a Czech politician and businessman, the former Prime Minister of the Czech republic, and the leader of the ANO 2011 (YES) movement.
What are the main issues in the Czech Republic right now?
Key issues include energy costs, housing affordability, healthcare, and political polarization.
What is the political climate like in the Czech Republic?
the Czech Republic is experiencing a period of political division,with strong opinions on both sides of the political spectrum.
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