Wolfburn Cognac Cask 2017/2025 8 Years
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.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A warm, soft start. Grapes and sultanas envelop the nose like the first breath in an old wine cellar. Lots of honey, buttered toast, a hint of milk chocolate and a surprising funky twist - almost like mango chutney on warm bread. Malty and inviting, with a clear cognac echo. The nose is the big highlight: round, expressive, slightly playful.
Palate
The Wolfburn is softer on the palate. Almond and honey lead the way, carried by cognac sweetness and light oak. That butter toast note again, a trademark that runs throughout. It is round, pleasantly fruity and surprisingly smooth despite being 46%. However, the body remains rather delicate - a little more depth would have been good here. Nevertheless, the balance between fruit, sweetness and malt is finely struck
Finish
The medium-long finish brings vanilla and green tea, with a hint of bitter oak. A slightly dry finish, malty and delicately bitter. Not a dramatic finish, rather a quiet ending.
Thoughts
Marcel 81/100
This Wolfburn Cognac Cask is like a quiet friend who sweetens your evening with gentle fruit notes and honeyed sweetness – perfect for those who appreciate elegance and simplicity. It may lack a bit of depth, but that’s precisely what makes it charming and approachable, almost like a cozy chat by the fireplace.
Sascha 78/100
The Wolfburn Cognac Cask strikes a successful balance between fruity Cognac notes and malty sweetness, yet remains somewhat restrained in its complexity. Its delicate structure and medium-length, slightly dry finish make it a solid, if not outstanding, example of cask-finish experimentation.
Value for Money: Good
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86/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does maturation in Cognac casks influence the flavor of the Wolfburn Cognac Cask 2017/2025?
Maturation in Cognac casks imparts a fruity sweetness and complex aromas such as grapes, raisins, and a subtle Cognac note. This results in an elegant, malty character with a warm, soft entry and a subtle vanilla hint on the finish.
Why does the Wolfburn Cognac Cask 2017/2025 feel so smooth on the palate despite its 46% alcohol content?
The combination of Cognac cask maturation and the whisky’s delicate structure creates a surprisingly gentle sensation despite the relatively high alcohol level. Flavors of honey, almond, and buttered toast contribute to its smooth texture.
What makes the Wolfburn distillery in the northern Highlands special compared to other distilleries?
Wolfburn is a young distillery known for its experimental cask finishes, such as the use of Cognac casks. Additionally, its location in the northern Highlands influences the raw materials and climate, which in turn shape the character of its whiskies.