Wolfburn Single Malt

The panic around the pricing of the first single malt from Wolfburn – I was told 220 EUR – was much ado about nothing. Apparently that was only for a special distillery only bottle. Mortals like you and me can get this regular release of the 3 years old single malt for just under 50 EUR. What a relief!

Just like the 2013 spirit sample that I tried, the nose is sweet, full and round. Loads of vanilla, white fruit (pears, but mostly apples), followed by a lovely green note. Think asparagus and a leaf of mint, but also some chalk. Softly spiced on ginger and a bit of woodsmoke. Very pleasant.

The first sip offers loads of pepper and a big smokiness. It is quite oily, by the way. Could this be the peaty version? Must be. Lovely pepper and some soot. Then the fruit returns (it is all apples now). The vanilla and ginger are present on the palate as well. The second sip gives some grasses and a slice of lime. Or is it pink grapefruit? Anyway: agrums. Quite nice indeed.

The finish is medium long and brings back the sweetness. But it remains a maritime malt. That is the same conclusion as I came to after the 28 month old sample.

For 50 EUR a bottle, this warrants a place in the cabinet. This is – keeping the age in mind – a nice introduction. What an entrance, Wolfburn!