Wolfburn 10 Years (2023 Release)
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?
Tasting Notes
Nose
The aroma is multi-layered, but never overloaded: burnt toast, honey, daisies - a mixture of light-coloured fruits such as apple and pear, interspersed with cinnamon, leather and a hint of dark chocolate. It is not a wild ride, but rather a slow, calm unfolding. The flavours stand side by side without drowning each other out.
Palate
What the nose hints at becomes reality on the tongue: milk chocolate, sultanas, a little date and burnt caramel. The dram has a dark character without being heavy. It is creamy, round and scores with hints of nutmeg and - very subtle - strawberry in the background.
Finish
The finish is rather short, but harmonious: sweet coffee, coffee grounds, a little bitter, but pleasantly woody. A fine sherry note shimmers through, never dominant, more like a greeting from afar. No drama, no fireworks.
Thoughts
Marcel 80/100
A whisky that quietly convinces and invites you to linger with its gentle character. Wolfburn 10 Years isn’t a firework, but that’s exactly what makes it the perfect everyday dram – honest, rounded, and pleasantly approachable. For anyone looking for an uncomplicated Highland whisky with heart, it’s a real winner.
Sascha 81/100
The Wolfburn 10 Years displays a remarkable balance between fruitiness and spicy sherry notes without ever feeling overloaded. Its clear structure and subtle complexity make it a solid representative of the young Highland distilleries, standing out especially through its harmonious bottling. For lovers of well-composed, mature whiskies, it offers a convincing benchmark.
Value for Money: Good
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How does the Wolfburn 10 Years differ from younger releases from the distillery?
The 10-years Wolfburn shows a distinctly matured complexity and balance compared to younger versions. While the younger releases often feature fresh, lively notes, the 10-years unfolds calm, layered aromas with hints of sherry, milk chocolate, and spices that develop through the extended maturation.
What role does maturation play in the flavor profile of Wolfburn 10 Years?
The ten-year maturation allows for a harmonious development of flavors, where robust wood notes, sweet coffee, and subtle sherry tones emerge. This aging period provides a creamy texture and a balanced interplay of fruitiness, spices, and gentle woodiness without any single component dominating.
Why is the Wolfburn 10 Years an important milestone for the distillery?
As a young distillery founded in 2013, the 10-years whisky marks the first significant age milestone, demonstrating how Wolfburn has developed in quality over time with patience. It serves as a benchmark for the distillery’s potential to combine character and depth in a small-batch release.