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An indulgently sweet bourbon-style whisky made with a rich mash of corn, rye, and barley, infused with natural Manuka honey sourced right on Waiheke Island, offering spiced warmth with a honeyed balance.
Waiheke Whisky 'Honey & Rye' is crafted in an American-style bourbon fashion using a mash bill of 51% corn, 21% rye, and 28% malted barley. Ageing takes place in the distillery’s oceanside barrel house, allowing the whisky to develop grassy spice tones and a pronounced rye character that harmonises beautifully with the sweetness of natural Waiheke Manuka honey. Each bottle contains 13% local honey sourced from the Waiheke Honey Co., embracing the island’s terroir in every sip. The whisky presents a soft yellow‑honey hue, a nose of sweet caramelised honey and spice, followed by a palate of toasted oak, warming spices, vanilla and luscious Manuka honey - a finish that is surprisingly dry, punctuated with pepper and phenolic depth.
| Category | Bourbon |
| ABV % | 40% |
| Bottle Size/s: | 700mls, 200mls |
| Price % | $95.00, $35.00 |
| Botanicals Used | On the nose, the whisky greets with sweet caramel-bodied Manuka honey and gentle spice. The palate is layered with toasted oak, warm spice, vanilla and rich Manuka honey. The finish is unexpectedly dry, with lingering notes of pepper and phenolic honey character. |
| Recommended Mixers | Best enjoyed neat or with a splash of Waiheke Distilling Co mineral water to accentuate its honeyed character and nuanced spice profile. |
| Recommended Garnishers | A strip of orange zest or a drizzle of Manuka honey highlights the whisky’s natural sweetness and spice layers. |