Wolfburn 12 Years (2025)
The northernmost mainland distillery of Scotland returns with a whisky that radiates both groundedness and finesse: the Wolfburn 12 Years. Matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks, it presents itself as a classic Highlander with a modern twist. Bottled at 46.0% ABV, non-chill filtered and natural in color, it steps into the glass without disguise. But what does this really mean in practice? Let’s take a closer look.
Tasting Notes
Nose
On the nose, the Wolfburn 12 opens like a sweet and warm landscape, almost reminiscent of a dessert buffet. Honey flows generously, supported by a fine sugary touch that recalls a patisserie in full swing. Alongside comes the refined freshness of Nashi pear – light, elegant, almost aristocratic – while deeper tones of plum jam add warmth and comfort. Toffee and creamy caramel appear as well, evoking liquidized childhood treats, almost like someone distilled Toffifee straight into the glass. The impression is charming and inviting without being overbearing.
Palate
On the palate, this elegance continues but with a slight twist. The fruitiness recedes somewhat, making way for a more grainy and malty character. It feels honest and robust, a reminder that whisky is always, at its core, a story of water, malt, and wood. Alongside this comes a broad layer of vanilla, creamy and unmistakably a gift from the bourbon casks. Once again, the Toffifee impression emerges: milk chocolate, caramel, hazelnut – a trio that never gets old. The texture is creamy, full-bodied, and well-rounded, leaving no sharp edges. This is not a whisky that aims to shock; it is more of a gentleman in the glass, extending a warm handshake instead of a fist.
Finish
The finish brings the sherry quietly onto the stage. Not a dramatic entrance, but a subtle aside, adding spice and a touch of oak bitterness to structure the finale. The length is medium – neither fleeting nor endless – just long enough to leave an impression without overstaying its welcome. There’s also a maritime nuance that surprises in the background, a faint sea breeze drifting through as a final reminder that Thurso lies not far from the ocean.
Thoughts
Marcel 79/100
At 46%, the Wolfburn 12 Years shows how enjoyment can be achieved without exaggeration – a gentle Highlander that scores with creamy toffee and a touch of humor. No big show, but an honest, easy-drinking companion that deserves to be invited into the glass more often.
Sascha 79/100
The Wolfburn 12 Years impresses with a solid balance between bourbon-driven vanilla notes and a subtle sherry finish that lends structure to the finish. Technically clean, without rough edges, it offers a harmonious profile that guarantees pleasant drinkability through its restraint.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersThis product was kindly provided to us by Alba Import. This does not influence our rating. No payments or other benefits were received in exchange for this provision.
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66/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the maturation of the Wolfburn 12 Years whisky special?
The Wolfburn 12 Years matures in a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks. This cask mix gives it a balanced harmony of vanilla notes and a subtle sherry spiciness, with a fine oak bitterness on the finish.
Why is it important that the Wolfburn 12 Years is non-chill filtered and natural color?
Not chill-filtering and leaving the whisky uncolored preserves its natural aromas and texture. This keeps the Wolfburn 12 Years authentic, with full flavor complexity and a natural appearance, just as the distillery intends.
Which flavor notes stand out most in the Wolfburn 12 Years?
Characteristic are sweet notes like honey, toffee, and caramel, complemented by fruity accents of nashi pear and plum jam. On the palate, malted grain notes and creamy vanilla dominate, rounded off by a subtle sherry finish with a light salty sea breeze.