The Wolfburn Langskip is made by the Wolfburn Distillery (more historical details are given here), which is close to Thurso in the northern Highlands and is Scotland’s northernmost distillery, except for the islands. It only started producing single malts in 2013. The annual production of around 135 thousand liters of total alcohol, thus a small artisan distillery. This bottling takes its name from the Norse ships that once dominated the Caithness coast and consisted of distillate from 2013 and 2014, aged only in first-filling ex-bourbon barrels.
- Type: Single malt
- Origin: Scotland
- ABV: 58%
- Cask: first fill ex bourbon
- Age: NAS
- Price: $74 – €60
- Details: –
TASTING NOTES – WOLFBURN LANGSKIP
Nose
Alcohol present, but not too aggressive despite the ABV. The fruity side is the first to emerge, with red apple and a darker dimension (blackcurrant). Wood is present but not as dominant as expected. Then butter biscuit and lemon cake, to witness a slight fresh and citrus component reminiscent of lemon and vanilla.
Palate
Spicy entrance (wood spices). You are then reached by a sophisticated sweetness, caramel, and vanilla. There is a certain softness unusual to these ABVs.
Finish
The alcohol component lasts for a long time and strongly, especially in the palate’s upper part. A certain dryness, reminiscent of almond, appears after some time.
The Wolfburn Langskip is an intense whisky, also due to a remarkable ABV, dominated by notes of fruit with spices and a continuing final nutty dryness. The aromatic palette is not the widest, and the ABV covers any more delicate notes, which struggle to emerge. However, the drink is masculine and capable of providing a certain satisfaction, despite the lack of a more complex aromatic profile.