The Cardrona Single Malt Whisky Otago Pinot Cask Single Cask is a distinctive New Zealand single malt whisky finished in ex-Otago Pinot Noir wine casks, bottled at cask strength 52.0% ABV from Single Cask #680. This 700ml expression showcases the marriage of traditional whisky-making with New Zealand's renowned wine heritage, delivering complex fruit-forward flavors with honeyed sweetness. Cardrona Distillery sits in the dramatic landscape of Central Otago, New Zealand's premier wine region. Founded in the Southern Alps' shadow, the distillery harnesses the region's extreme continental climate and pristine mountain water to craft whiskies that reflect their unique terroir. Their partnership with local Otago wineries creates innovative cask finishes that capture the essence of New Zealand's world-class Pinot Noir tradition.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Sun-scorched nectarine, ripe berry fruits, borage flower honey, vanilla oak undertones, dried figs
• Palate: Rich pecan pie sweetness, clotted cream texture, red berry compote, honeyed stone fruits, subtle wine tannins
• Finish: Medium to long with lingering honey sweetness, dried fruit complexity, gentle spice warmth

Product Details

Spirit Type	Single Malt Whisky
ABV	52.0% (104 proof)
Volume	700ml
Age Statement	No Age Statement
Distillery	Cardrona Distillery Ltd.
Region	Cardrona, Central Otago, New Zealand
Cask Type	Ex-Otago Pinot Noir (Quercus Robur)
Single Cask	#680 (230L cask)
Fill Date	12 May 2018
Bottle Number	001/388

Perfect For

• Wine Lover's Whisky: Ideal for Pinot Noir enthusiasts exploring wine-finished whiskies
• Single Cask Collectors: Rare New Zealand single cask expression with detailed provenance
• Neat Sipping: Cask strength complexity perfect for contemplative evening drams
• Whisky & Cheese Pairings: Fruit-forward profile complements aged cheeses and charcuterie

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Cardrona Otago Pinot Cask taste like?

This whisky delivers a fruit-forward profile with sun-scorched nectarine and berry fruits from the Pinot Noir cask finishing, balanced by honeyed sweetness and creamy textures. The wine cask influence creates a unique bridge between whisky and wine flavors.

Is this good for cocktails or best served neat?

At 52% ABV with complex fruit and honey notes, this single cask expression is best appreciated neat or with a splash of water to unlock its full flavor profile. The wine cask finish and single cask nature make it too precious for mixing.

How does this compare to other wine-finished whiskies?

Unlike traditional sherry or port finishes, the Otago Pinot Noir cask brings bright red fruit character and subtle tannins rather than heavy sweetness. It's more delicate than port-finished whiskies but more fruit-forward than typical bourbon cask expressions.

Is this worth the price for a New Zealand whisky?

This single cask expression offers excellent value for collectors and enthusiasts seeking unique wine-finished whiskies. The limited bottle count (388 bottles), detailed provenance, and distinctive Pinot Noir influence justify the premium for this emerging whisky region.

What makes Cardrona Distillery special?

Cardrona leverages Central Otago's extreme climate and world-class wine region proximity to create distinctive whiskies. Their location in New Zealand's premier Pinot Noir territory allows unique cask finishing opportunities unavailable to most distilleries worldwide.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.