This is not the first time that I’ve reviewed a Wolfburn on my blog, but it’s certainly a special occassion. This Wolfburn 12 will be the flagship of their core range from now on, and it feels like a coming of age of a kind for the young northern distillery. Wolfburn has come, conquered, and is here to stay. And in this day and age of distillery’s closing, or falling upon hard times. That is no meagre feat!
For this flagship core range release, Wolburn matures their spirit for a minimum of 12 years in equal parts ex-bourbon casks and second-fill Oloroso sherry butts. Which should allow this whisky to have a lovely depth of profile in both nose, palate and finish. According to Wolfburn themselves this dram is “A testament to the skill, dedication and patience of our master distillers”. Which leaves me more than curious to find out just how well endowned that testament is.
With Wolfburn’s peated spirit and a mix of ex-bourbon AND ex-sherry ageing, this dram should be right up my alley. Let’s wait no longer, and find out as I dive into the glass and share with you my tasting notes!
Tasting Notes: Wolfburn 12
Stats:
ABV: 46% (92 proof)
Age: 12 years old
Distillery: Wolfburn
Chill-filtered: No
Natural Colour: Yes
Nose:
Honey straight from the comb, straight from the start of nosing this dram. Paired with smoked plums, wild peaches, and freshly brewed hibiscus tea, the nose of this dram is a treat for the senses. There’s a faint malty note in there as well that instantly reminds me of a beautiful saison beer, with some floral notes bouncing off malty undertones. A faint whiff of smoked haddock gives this nose it’s final element, and the coastal character it deserves!
Palate:
Warm baked apple beignets is the first image that comes to mind upon the first sip of this dram. But as I swirl the golden liquid in my mouth it seems to make way for more savoury notes as well, with smoked mackerel with a healthy dusting of black pepper as the standout feature here. There’s more hints of honey and some dark caramel as well, and some dried cranberries, strawberries and fresh black cherries to boot. All-in-all the palate of this Wolfburn 12 holds plenty of complexity for those looking to explore!
Finish:
The finish is medium long with traces of burnt caramel, liquorice root tea and dried apricots. Even in the finish I find this dram packing plenty of punch, although the overwhelming complexity of palate and nose seems to have faded here to a mellow continuous afterglow.
Food Pairing:
I would pair this with smoked fish in a heartbeat if it were up to me. Smoked mackerel, herring, or even haddock would pair beautifully with a sip of this Wolfburn 12. For those with a sweettooth however I’m going to suggest something that might sound utterly crazy, but give salted liquorice a chance. It’s a lovely companion to this dram!
Verdict:
Wolfburn has managed to give us an absolutely stunning 12 year old. And best of all? It’s still very affordable! Here in the Netherlands it sits on the shelves for only 58 euro. In my opinion that’s exactly how it should be for a flagship. Approachable and affordable, yet good enough to make sure that those who give it a shot become lifelong fans of the brand. This Wolfburn 12 has got everything to become exactly that. A household staple of many a whiskylover!
Wolfburn 12 is here to stay, and I absolutely love it!
