Commemorating a quarter of a century since the release of the first Lord of the Rings film, this masterfully distilled single malt whisky from New Zealand is a collaborative release uniting intricate, multi-cask aging with the iconic magic of Middle-earth to create a refined experience for both LOTR fans and whisky connoisseurs.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., and MIAMI BEACH, Fla. , Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In honor of the official 25th anniversary of the first blockbuster The Lord of the Rings film The Fellowship of the Ring, LOTR-licensed collectibles creator Syzygy Forge, and renowned New Zealand single malt whisky distillery Pōkeno are proud to present Ringbearer Single Malt Whisky, a spirits reflection of, and whisky love letter to, the symbiotic relationship between Middle-earth and the unique landscape where the films were shot.
Syzygy Forge, official licensee of the world's only collectible The Lord of the Rings spirits, was founded by lifelong Tolkien collector and enthusiast Jordan Costner. In search of something truly distinctive, a spirit that could connect the terroir of New Zealand with the warmth and character of something the folk of Hobbiton might proudly call their own, Costner and co-founder Shawn Mason discovered Pōkeno and its co-founder, Matt Johns, in the lands north of the Shire's now-iconic filming location in New Zealand.
What began as a conversation soon grew into a collaboration, and from it emerged the idea for a whisky that felt as though it might have first been conceived over pints beside the fire at the legendary Green Dragon Inn.
"Working with Pōkeno gave us the opportunity to create something that feels genuinely connected to New Zealand," said Costner. "Ringbearer is more than a licensed whisky. It's a celebration of the land, the craft, and the place that helped bring Middle-earth to life on the big screen."
Ringbearer Single Malt Whisky brings forth the best the New Zealand single malt whisky category has to offer. Johns, from the get go, wanted to build a whisky not only worthy of Middle-earth homage, but that also reflected his distillery's relationship to the land around it. To this end, Pōkeno makes use of the finest barleys, sourced locally from South Island family farms and influenced by long, 90-hour fermentation cycles, to craft single malts which age exquisitely in a local sub-tropical climate extracting its Ainu (angel's) share at a rate significantly higher than most other parts of the whisk(e)y making world, accelerating the maturation of the whiskies.
What has emerged as Ringbearer is an expression that is a fellowship unto its own. Carrying an approximate age statement of at least six years, this single malt is drawn from a generous mix of first-fill bourbon casks, virgin American oak barrels, French Muscat casks and, in a true New Zealand twist, rare, local Manuka honey-seasoned casks.
"We are very proud to be crafting creative and innovative single malts which are a true reflection of the climate and culture of our wonderful, mystical country," noted Johns. "We have pushed the boundaries with Ringbearer with the use of Manuka honey seasoned casks which is the first time that this has been done."
A vividly layered, dragon hoard gold colored New Zealand single malt, Ringbearer opens on the nose with a sweet vibrancy of creamy vanilla, white chocolate, and Manuka honey before dipping into white peach. A sip of this Miruvor-like elixir revives the palate with its spiciness and careful considerations of banana and melon, before evolving into rich honey on warm buttered toast. The finish? Long and richly lingering like a Lothlórien day, showcasing the Manuka honey sweetness and a fine warmth taking center stage.
One whisky to rule them all, one whisky to guide them,
One whisky to bring them all in, and in the glass inspire them.
Pōkeno's The Lord of the Rings Ringbearer Single Malt Whisky, imported exclusively into the United States by Alexander Murray & Company, in partnership with Syzygy Forge, is a 700 ml release bottled at 46% ABV and priced at $109.99. A limited edition global release, this officially licensed, 25th Anniversary collectible is presented in premium packaging the most skilled map makers of the Third Age would be proud to display amongst their cherished drawings.
Ringbearer Single Malt Whisky will be available through authorized retailers in select markets and online through licensed retail partners, where permitted by law. Additional purchasing information can be found through Syzygy Forge.
The Lord of the Rings Ringbearer Single Malt Whisky Quick Facts:
- Officially licensed
- Designed by Syzygy Forge
- Limited edition release imported into the US by Alexander Murray & Company
- Style: single malt whisky
- Mash bill: 100% malted barley sourced from local New Zealand farms
- Fermentation time: approximately 90 hours
- Distilled by Pōkeno
- Four different barrel types: first-fill bourbon casks (approximately 45% of the blend), virgin oak (approximately 35%), French Muscat casks (approximately 10%), and Manuka honey casks (the remaining 5–12%, varying by batch)
- At least six years of age
- 700 ml in size
- 46% ABV
- Price: $109.99
About Pōkeno Whisky:
Founded in 2017, Pōkeno is distributed worldwide to 30 countries, from the usual (US / Australia / UK) to the unexpected (Cambodia). The distillery is focused uniquely on creating world-class New Zealand single malt whiskies that are a true reflection of the country's culture and climate. It has won prestigious global awards for six of its whiskies, most notably with its Triple Distilled expression from the Exploration Series named Best World Single Malt Whisky at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Awards, and Pokeno Alchemy named as one of the world's top five small batch whiskies in the 2026 World Whiskies Awards.
About Syzygy Forge:
Syzygy Forge is a creator of officially licensed premium spirits and collectibles inspired by some of the world's most celebrated stories. Working with leading artists, distilleries and production partners, Syzygy develops distinctive products designed to bring those worlds to life for collectors and enthusiasts.
About Alexander Murray & Co.:
Founded in 2003, Alexander Murray & Co. is an independent whisky bottler and importer known for its exceptional single malt whiskies sourced from Scotland's finest distilleries. Committed to quality and craftsmanship, Alexander Murray offers a wide range of premium whiskies enjoyed by connoisseurs around the world. With a passion for both tradition and innovation, Alexander Murray is proud to be at the forefront of whisky bottling and unique partnerships.
Media Contact
Nino Marchetti, Alexander Murray & Co., 1 971-415-1801, [email protected], https://alexandermurray.com/
SOURCE Alexander Murray & Co.
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