Water of Life - Wolfburn
With a name like Wolfburn and a marketing department that has calibrated it approach to achieve a result oriented outcome, expectations were high right out of the gate for the this fairly new kid on the block – partly due to the fact word around the campfire had that they use casks that previously housed the nectar from the mecca of peat, i.e. Islay.
The first Wolfburn expression that hit my palate was their Northland, which on the nose only is slightly astringent as it has hints of smoke embedded in more dominant fruity, sweet and nutty aromas.
The top of the roof is tickled by what I would like to describe as a wave of honey that is riding on a spicy, malty and peppery foundation, which again only hints a peaty nuance. It is that subtle melange of flavours that makes one lust for more and the elongated, crispy finish, again heavy on the honey and sweet and fruity side of things, only enhances the experience. Not bad at all and imminently drinkable for such a youthful whisky - a gently satisfying dram despite being slightly ethanolic and grappa-like.
Given that this expression is merely three years old, it would make an amazing one in nine years’ time.
Wolfburn’s Langskip hits a bit harder in every aspect with an ABV of 58% and having matured in first-fill bourbon casks.
Flavour forward, the nostrils are tickled by rich nutty, floral and peppery nuances that hint at what is about to dance on the palate: More nutty flavours that run the gamut from almonds to macadamia, which are framed by gingery and cinnamon accents, only to culminate in an elongated finish that hits all the right notes as it navigates the chasm between fruity sweetness and peppery earthiness.
Wolfburn Morven is a recent addition to the distillery’s portfolio and got me excited because out of the three expressions, I found it the one most infused with a very subtle peaty character.
What materialized on the nose is already a beauty as it is crisp, grassy, juicy and fruity, anchored by a light peatiness, only to continue its journey on the palate by incorporating nutty flavours that sit in wafts of vanilla and fruity phenols and an oaky, peppery foundation.
The finish is sweet in every aspect and unexpected given its young age.
Another interesting, solid single malt, intense in taste and one that has again the potential to mature into a fantastic one if given more years to unfold its potential.
