Wolfburn
2026 Anniversary Series
- 55.2
- 70cl
- Taste: 3
- Highlands
Located in Thurso, William Smith founded Wolfburn Distillery in 1821. He built it near the Wolf Burn (a small stream), which provided the water source for whisky production. During its early years, the distillery produced a significant amount of whisky. By the mid-19th century, it was one of the largest distilleries in Caithness. Unfortunately, like many distilleries of the time, Wolfburn ceased operations towards the end of the 19th century,...
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Located in Thurso, William Smith founded Wolfburn Distillery in 1821. He built it near the Wolf Burn (a small stream), which provided the water source for whisky production. During its early years, the distillery produced a significant amount of whisky. By the mid-19th century, it was one of the largest distilleries in Caithness. Unfortunately, like many distilleries of the time, Wolfburn ceased operations towards the end of the 19th century, and by the 1860s, it had fallen into disuse.
The revival of Wolfburn Distillery began in 2012, nearly 150 years after its closure. The new distillery was constructed not far from the original site, on the outskirts of Thurso. Although designed with modern equipment, the updated buildings still retained traditional methods of whisky production. In 2016, Wolfburn released its first whisky from the new distillery.
Released annually, Wolfburn’s Anniversary bottlings commemorates the return of spirit production at the distillery on 25th January 2013, with the 2026 edition marking 13 years since that milestone.
Cask No. 811, filled in December 2013, was selected by the Production Manager due to the cask being the best expression of the distillery’s character. Matured for twelve years, the whisky was bottled at cask strength, producing just 874 bottles.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose - Exceptional sweet tones are immediately noticeable – golden syrup on toast, with a healthy addition of soft oak.
Palate - The depth of flavour is such that this behaves more like a PX-matured whisky than Oloroso – a heady, creamy mouthful, truly decadent. The sweetness and depth of flavour is a joy. Dates and raisins mingle with golden syrup and treacle, while Wolfburn’s signature soft floral notes overlay the whole.
Finish - The end is just as sweet and luxurious as the beginning. A truly excellent dram in all respects.
The revival of Wolfburn Distillery began in 2012, nearly 150 years after its closure. The new distillery was constructed not far from the original site, on the outskirts of Thurso. Although designed with modern equipment, the updated buildings still retained traditional methods of whisky production. In 2016, Wolfburn released its first whisky from the new distillery.
Released annually, Wolfburn’s Anniversary bottlings commemorates the return of spirit production at the distillery on 25th January 2013, with the 2026 edition marking 13 years since that milestone.
Cask No. 811, filled in December 2013, was selected by the Production Manager due to the cask being the best expression of the distillery’s character. Matured for twelve years, the whisky was bottled at cask strength, producing just 874 bottles.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose - Exceptional sweet tones are immediately noticeable – golden syrup on toast, with a healthy addition of soft oak.
Palate - The depth of flavour is such that this behaves more like a PX-matured whisky than Oloroso – a heady, creamy mouthful, truly decadent. The sweetness and depth of flavour is a joy. Dates and raisins mingle with golden syrup and treacle, while Wolfburn’s signature soft floral notes overlay the whole.
Finish - The end is just as sweet and luxurious as the beginning. A truly excellent dram in all respects.
Tasting Rating Guide
1: Light, good for beginners - an aperitif on a summers day, i.e. Glengoyne, Auchentoshan
2: Also good for beginners but with more depth and body - a little stronger than 1, ie. Glenmorangie, Speyburn
3: A dram for everyone, a little more complex so the palate requires a little more experience, i.e. Cragganmore, Macallan
4: A stronger spirit, a big whisky with lots of character and body, excellent after dinner, i.e. Lagavulin, Laphroaig