Wolfburn
Small Batch #177
- 46
- 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.
Wolfburn's Small Batch 177 has been crafted from a combination of spirit matured for eight years in first-fill ex-Bourbon Hogsheads, married with spirit matured for seven years in first-fill Caribbean Rum barrels. The flavour of the resultant whisky is a triumph, combining the smooth sophistication of bourbon maturation with unique sweetness and depth from the rum casks.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose - Roasted figs and prunes meet candied ginger. There’s a terrific depth of flavour with plum sauce and toffee meeting marzipan and sultanas.
Palate - Rum influence shines through with overtones of molasses ever-present. Layers of sweetness unfurl over time, with fruit and honey notes beautifully bound together by silky oak tannins.
Finish - The finish is sticky, fruity, decadent and delicious.
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.
Wolfburn's Small Batch 177 has been crafted from a combination of spirit matured for eight years in first-fill ex-Bourbon Hogsheads, married with spirit matured for seven years in first-fill Caribbean Rum barrels. The flavour of the resultant whisky is a triumph, combining the smooth sophistication of bourbon maturation with unique sweetness and depth from the rum casks.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose - Roasted figs and prunes meet candied ginger. There’s a terrific depth of flavour with plum sauce and toffee meeting marzipan and sultanas.
Palate - Rum influence shines through with overtones of molasses ever-present. Layers of sweetness unfurl over time, with fruit and honey notes beautifully bound together by silky oak tannins.
Finish - The finish is sticky, fruity, decadent and delicious.
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