Spirit of Munro 18 years

Score: 66

The Spirit of Munro 18-Year-Old is a rare and characterful New Zealand whisky, bottled by The New Zealand Whisky Company and distilled at the now-closed Willowbank distillery in Dunedin. Released in 2018, it’s a blend matured for 18 years in a mix of American oak ex-bourbon and French oak ex-red wine casks, bottled at a robust 50% ABV. Only 953 bottles were produced, making it a sought-after collector’s item. Expect a layered profile—likely rich with dried fruits, vanilla, toasted oak, and a touch of spice from the red wine cask influence. It’s a dram that reflects both the legacy of Willowbank and the revivalist spirit of NZWC.