Reviews

When it comes to honest, unadulterated whiskies, the Wolfburn Langskip is a real insider tip at a very good price. The still young Wolfburn distillery, based in the far north of Scotland near Thurso, brings a statement to the glass with this strong representative that experienced connoisseurs in particular will appreciate: blunt, direct, sweet - and full of character.

The young Wolfburn distillery in the northern Highlands has ventured into an elegant cask experiment: eight years of maturation in cognac casks, an unusual choice that combines character and charm. The result is a fruity, malty single malt that arouses curiosity - especially on the nose.

Wolfburn, the northernmost distillery on the Scottish mainland, is known for its handcrafted and elegant whiskies. With the Vibrant Stills Sauternes Cask 2016/2024, they've once again delivered something exciting. Aged for 8 years – first in ex-bourbon, then in first-fill Sauternes wine casks from France – this release offers bright fruitiness with structure. Bottled exclusively for Germany, it’s definitely worth a closer look.

Ten years - that's quite a milestone for a young distillery like Wolfburn. Since its foundation in 2013, Scotland's northernmost mainland distillery has made a name for itself with consistent quality and characterful small-batch releases. The 2023 10th anniversary whisky is more than just an anniversary statement - it's a kind of assessment: what can Wolfburn do if given time - and rest?

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.

For the first time ever in the history of the Glen Garioch distillery, located in the Scottish Highlands, a single malt has been launched that was created in partnership by the independent bottler Wu DRAM Clan from Germany and the distillery. The Wu DRAM Clan is known for exquisite bottlings and so it is not surprising that the bottling was sold out within a few minutes.

When a whisky comes with 135 ppm phenol content and the malt comes exclusively from Glen Esk - a Scottish malting estate that doesn't deliver this kind of extremism to anyone else - then you can expect great things. And this 6-years single malt from an Oloroso sherry hogshead delivers.

The Ardmore 2010 ‘A Dream of Scotland’, exclusively bottled by the Brühl Whisky House, is aimed at connoisseurs and explorers who appreciate whiskies with a strong character and unadulterated flavour.

Those who love Islay are often looking for the perfect interplay of smoke, complexity and character. The independent bottling from Brühler Whiskyhaus, the Distilled at South Islay 2024 13 Years The Tasteful 8, promises exactly that - and more. With a whopping 56.9% ABV, this whisky comes with power and intensity.

With this limited edition, St. Kilian pays tribute not only to one of the most iconic metal bands in history, but also to one of its most polarising albums - ‘Turbo’ from 1986. More electronic, more colourful, more freaky than anything before it. And that's exactly what this unpeated, four-years single malt delivers: a quirky but delicious journey through sweet wine, fruit and oak.

Whisky is often a play on tradition - but Nc'Nean takes a different approach. The young distillery from the Scottish Highlands focuses on sustainability, organic ingredients and a modern approach to whisky production. Its Nc'Nean Organic Batch 20, bottled in 2023, exemplifies this approach. With no age statement, 46% ABV and an exciting cask combination of ex-bourbon, sherry and red wine casks, it arouses curiosity.

When an independent bottler grabs a Highland Park, it can either be grandiose or risky. But The Tasteful 8 from Brühler Whiskyhaus shows that they know exactly what they are doing.