Wolfburn No. 128

Wolfburn's Small Batch release No. 128, named for the warehouse and stow the casks came from. A 3 year old, bottled at 46%. Wolfburn, at Thurso on Scotland's far north coast, revived an old Caithness distilling name when it opened in 2013. The new distillery stands some 350 metres from the ruins of the old, sharing the Wolf Burn that gives both their name.

It was drawn off a single pair of Forsyths copper stills, for the light, fresh, maritime make Wolfburn is known for. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the fresh fruit. Still young, it is fresh and fruity with a coastal lift. Quarter casks, smaller than usual, speed the exchange between spirit and wood. Hand filling and hand labelling are still the rule in the warehouses here. A young distillery, Wolfburn has built a following quickly since its first single malt in 2016. The far north air, salt laden and cool, lends the maturing spirit a coastal edge.

At an approachable 46% it is light and balanced. A crisp, coastal fruit, and vanilla and a soft oak come from the bourbon wood. 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.