Wolfburn Vibrant Stills Bourbon Barrel 2015/2023 8 Year Old

2025-05-26 🇩🇪 Zum deutschen Testbericht
The Vibrant Stills Bourbon Barrel 2015/2023 edition by Wolfburn is a small batch release made exclusively for the German market. Aged for 8 years in fresh bourbon barrels and bottled at a robust 50% ABV, this Single Malt Scotch Whisky presents both the gentleness of the Highlands and a surprisingly pronounced smoky tone. Non-chill filtered and bottled in its natural colour, it feels pure – and delightfully complex.
Wolfburn Vibrant Stills Bourbon Barrel 2015/2023 8 Year Old
Wolfburn Vibrant Stills Bourbon Barrel 2015/2023 8 Year Old
Single Malt | 8 Year Old | 50,00 % ABV. | 112,71 €/l | Distillery: Wolfburn | made in Scotland (Highlands)

Nose

Right from the start, the aroma is bold: warm BBQ smoke, hints of smoked ham, and scorched wood dominate the nose. Beneath, a creamy vanilla softness adds depth. A subtle maritime breeze occasionally surfaces – a whisper of seaweed in coastal air. This whisky doesn’t fully reveal itself at once; it rewards a patient nose.

Taste

On the palate, Wolfburn Vibrant Stills is rich and full-bodied. Notes of dark plum compote meet clove spice in a creamy, well-rounded mouthfeel. The bourbon cask influence returns with warming vanilla. Hints of citrus and a light salinity give it structure and clarity. The smoke is present yet never overwhelming – well-integrated and character-defining. Everything here feels genuine.

Finish

In the finish, the smoky notes intensify: charred wood and burnt toast mingle with light honey. A slightly gritty texture appears, reminiscent of oak tannins. Bright fruit is almost absent; instead, a rustic, subtly bitter warmth lingers – satisfyingly long.

Thoughts

Wolfburn’s Vibrant Stills 2015/2023 is a testament to the distillery’s evolving style. The smoke is elegant, the fruit complex, and the bourbon cask influence finely balanced. For a distillery often associated with lighter profiles, this expression is bold – maritime, structured, and quietly confident. A whisky that impresses without shouting.

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Rating: 81/100 - Excellent (Marcel: 81 | Sascha: 81)

Value for Money: 3/5 - Ok

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Preview Image Source: Whiskybase
Further Information Bottling Series: Vibrant Stills - Small Batch
Cask Type: First Fill Bourbon Barrel
Cask Number: 419/420/421/422/423
Market: Germany
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