Wolfburn
Lightly Peated Cask Strength
- 58.2
- 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.
Crafted from spirit matured in a combination of wonderfully sweet Oloroso Sherry butts and ex-Bourbon Quarter casks it is a shade over seven years old. This hand-selected cask pairing has done an astonishing job of producing a smooth and rounded single malt whisky. Bottled at cask strength to maximise the flavour, this is sweet, aromatic and sumptuous in character. A thoroughly enjoyable dram.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose - Fresh bourbon aromas, softened by sweet sherry essence. Hints of toffee and caramel shine through.
Palate - Chocolate truffles meet sticky toffee pudding and trifle sponge. The whole mouthful is wonderfully overlaid with gentle hints of peat smoke. By any standards this is a rich and flavourful dram, bursting with flavour.
Finish - Caramel sweetness is present, accompanied by hints of toffee and demerara sugar. A traces of peat smoke remains until the very end, ensuring a beautiful lingering finish.
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.
Crafted from spirit matured in a combination of wonderfully sweet Oloroso Sherry butts and ex-Bourbon Quarter casks it is a shade over seven years old. This hand-selected cask pairing has done an astonishing job of producing a smooth and rounded single malt whisky. Bottled at cask strength to maximise the flavour, this is sweet, aromatic and sumptuous in character. A thoroughly enjoyable dram.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose - Fresh bourbon aromas, softened by sweet sherry essence. Hints of toffee and caramel shine through.
Palate - Chocolate truffles meet sticky toffee pudding and trifle sponge. The whole mouthful is wonderfully overlaid with gentle hints of peat smoke. By any standards this is a rich and flavourful dram, bursting with flavour.
Finish - Caramel sweetness is present, accompanied by hints of toffee and demerara sugar. A traces of peat smoke remains until the very end, ensuring a beautiful lingering finish.
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