EPIC × PŌKENO: BEER & WHISKY TASTING
18 November | Epic's 21st Birthday Celebrations
15 years of beer. One year of whisky. 21 years of Epic.
Some things are worth waiting for. This one has been 16 years in the making.
Back in 2010, Epic embarked on an extraordinary experiment. Two small barrels of Armageddon IPA were sent aboard the Interislander ferry, completing 126 crossings between the North and South Islands to recreate the ocean journeys that inspired the original India Pale Ales.
The experiment became a legend. The barrel-aged Armageddon IPA went on to win a Gold Medal and the trophy for Best Barrel Aged Beer.
But one barrel had an even longer journey ahead.
For 15 years, it held Armageddon IPA, quietly ageing and absorbing the character of New Zealand's iconic IPA.
When the beer was finally removed, Pōkeno Whisky filled that very same barrel with single malt whisky, leaving it to mature for another year.
The result is something truly special: Pōkeno Armageddon IPA Single Cask Whisky.
Just 350 bottles have been produced from this extraordinary barrel.
To celebrate Epic's 21st birthday, we're bringing Epic Beer and Pōkeno Whisky together for an exclusive guided beer and whisky tasting.
Matt Johns from Pōkeno Whisky will join us to share the stories behind the whiskies, the barrels and this remarkable collaboration.
ANOTHER FIRST: COMING OF AGE BARREL AGED
As an extra birthday treat, guests will be the very first people to taste Epic Coming of Age Barrel Aged.
The original Coming of Age Brewer's Cut, our 10% ABV anniversary beer, has already earned a Silver Medal at the 2026 New Zealand Beer Awards and a coveted Top 25 placing at the New World Beer Awards.
But we weren't finished.
A portion of this award-winning beer was transferred into a freshly emptied Jack Daniel's whisky barrel, where it has spent six months maturing.
Now, for the first time, we're revealing the result.
Bottled on 17 November. Tasted on 18 November. Before anyone else.
FOUR BEERS. FOUR WHISKIES. ONE EPIC NIGHT.
The guided tasting features four carefully selected pairings:
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Pōkeno Origin Whisky + Epic Armageddon IPA
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Pōkeno Winter Malt Single Cask + Epic Jake Porter
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Pōkeno Prohibition Single Cask + Epic Coming of Age Barrel Aged (FIRST TASTING)
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Pōkeno Armageddon IPA Single Cask Whisky + Epic 15-Year Armageddon Barrel Aged IPA
The final pairing brings the story full circle, tasting the whisky alongside the beer that spent 15 years in the very same barrel.
TICKETS
OPTION 1: $199
The complete guided beer and whisky tasting, plus a 700ml bottle of the limited-edition Pōkeno Armageddon IPA Single Cask Whisky.
OPTION 2: $45
The complete guided beer and whisky tasting experience.
Wednesday 18 November 2026
Epic Taproom, Onehunga, Auckland
LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE
Two extraordinary barrel-aged beers. Four unique whiskies. A once-in-a-lifetime whisky release.
21 years of Epic. One unforgettable tasting.