Wolfburn Single Cask #020/2016 6 Years Old 2016 (Oloroso)

A Wolfburn single malt, a 6 year old from 2016, cask 020/2016, bottled at 57.8%. Wolfburn is the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland, at Thurso in Caithness, where whisky has flowed again since 2013. Most of the make is unpeated, with a lightly peated malt distilled since 2014 for a gentle smoke.

It was worked through the distillery's small copper stills, for a light, citrussy spirit with a sea air lift. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the fresh make. Around six to nine years the fruit deepens into honey, apple and a soft spice. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the fruity, coastal core over time. Everything here is done by hand, from milling to bottling, the mark of a true small distillery. Most of the make is unpeated, with a lightly peated malt distilled since 2014 for a soft smoke. The core range runs Northland, Aurora, Morven and Langskip, names drawn from the far north.

At a hearty 57.8% it carries real punch. Green apple, vanilla and a sea air lift, and the Oloroso gives dried fruit and a toasted nuttiness. It is fresh and fruity, the fruit and oak well matched. The finish is bright, fruity and coastal. This is a bright young single malt from Caithness.