Wolfburn Vibrant Stills Sauternes Cask 8 Years (2016/2024)
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.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose is fresh, grassy, and green – like a spring meadow somewhere between a lemon grove and a haystack. There’s lime, green grapes, and a hint of nectarine. Dive deeper and you might even discover something like pineapple sponge cake. The wine influence is there, but it leans more bitter than sweet – intriguing!
Palate
On the palate, this whisky turns creamy. Nectarine, hints of passionfruit yogurt, and honey meet a surprisingly dry oaky spice. A touch of rye bread, maybe even beer-like notes come through. The fruit fades a little, replaced by structure – although the balance could be better.
Finish
The finish is medium, with a gentle tingle and warming feel. There’s a light spice and a hint of oak, but sadly, not much fruit left. It feels like the cask could have given just a bit more.
Thoughts
Marcel 77/100 - (Very good)
A lively and approachable whisky that simply delights with fresh fruit and a creamy texture. A real mood-lifter for beginners, even if the finish could use a bit more punch. Wolfburn shows character here that makes you eager for the next sip – straightforward and charming.
Sascha 79/100 - (Very good)
The Wolfburn Vibrant Stills Sauternes Cask offers an interesting blend of fruitiness and spice, but overall falls a bit short of expectations in balance. The structure is solid, yet the finish feels somewhat flat and lacks the complexity one would hope for from a first-fill Sauternes cask. Technically clean, but with room for improvement in finesse.
Value for Money: 3/5 (Fair)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the finishing in Sauternes wine casks influence the flavor of the Wolfburn Vibrant Stills 2016/2024?
The finishing in first-fill Sauternes wine casks imparts a fruity opulence, expressed through notes of nectarine, lime, and green grapes. The wine influence adds a slight bitterness that complements the whisky’s creamy and spicy aromas.
Why is the Wolfburn Vibrant Stills Sauternes Cask 2016/2024 only available in Germany?
This bottling was released exclusively for the German market, making it a special offering for collectors and enthusiasts in Germany. Such exclusive releases are often limited to specific countries to highlight regional uniqueness.
What is special about the 50% alcohol content of the Wolfburn Vibrant Stills?
At 50% ABV, this whisky is stronger than the standard 40-46%. This higher strength delivers a more intense aromatic profile and a bolder flavor, particularly emphasizing the spicy and fruity notes, while the cask maturation keeps it pleasantly rounded.