Wolfburn Chichibu Whisk(e)y Matsuri 2018

Wolfburn Chichibu Whisky Matsuri 2018, a single malt from the far north distillery at Thurso, bottled at 55.6%. Just 196 bottles were filled. Wolfburn brought whisky back to Thurso in 2013, reviving a name first raised in 1821 just up the burn. Most of the make is unpeated, with a lightly peated malt distilled since 2014 for a gentle smoke.

It was drawn off a single pair of Forsyths copper stills, for the light, fresh, maritime make Wolfburn is known for. It was matured in ex-Bourbon oak, lending vanilla and a soft honey. No age is given, but the fresh fruit marks it as young Wolfburn. A patient maturation suits the light, coastal Wolfburn character. The core range runs Northland, Aurora, Morven and Langskip, names drawn from the far north. The Kylver Series gathers single casks named for the runes of an ancient Caithness stone. Water is drawn from the Wolf Burn, the stream that runs past the distillery to the sea.

Bottled at a cask strength 55.6%, it is intense. A crisp, coastal fruit, and the ex-Bourbon lends vanilla and a soft honey. Beneath it run apple, citrus and a soft malt. It closes fresh, fruity and clean. This is a light, fresh Highland single malt from the far north.