Wolfburn Takashimaya (50%)

Wolfburn Takashimaya, a single malt from the far north distillery at Thurso, bottled at 50%. Just 500 bottles were filled. 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. It was matured in ex-Bourbon oak, lending vanilla and a soft honey. With no age statement, it shows the light, fresh, fruity character of young Wolfburn. A patient maturation suits the light, coastal Wolfburn character. 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.

At a natural 50% it is full and lively. A crisp, coastal fruit, and the ex-Bourbon lends vanilla and a soft honey. It is clean and fruity, the young spirit shining through. A fruity, gently saline finish lingers. This is a fruity Highland malt from Scotland's most northerly mainland distillery.