Dyad – Chardonnay

Dyad is Waiheke Whisky’s inaugural wine barrel-finished expression, aged predominantly in ex-bourbon then finished in French oak Chardonnay barrels for a creamy, citrusy complexity.

Dyad, the distillery’s pioneering wine barrel-finished single malt, was bottled at seven years old to showcase the skill of head distiller Patrick Newton. After initial maturation in ex-bourbon barrels, it is finished for two years in wet-filled Mudbrick French oak Chardonnay casks where local Chardonnay once matured. Presented at 41% ABV, non-chill filtered and with no added colour, Dyad opens with aromas of melting butter, sherbet lemons and honey. On the palate, it delivers smooth umami notes of sweet miso, lemon and butter, with a silky mouthfeel. The finish unfolds slowly, revealing toasted hazelnuts, bready malt and Waiheke’s signature salinity. Recognised with gold medals at both the International Whisky Competition (Drammys) and the NZ Spirits Awards, this expression is bottled under screw cap to preserve its integrity.