Whisky Review/Tasting: Wolfburn Aurora

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Wolfburn Distillery, Thurso, Scotland - the most northern Scottish whisky distillery on the mainland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation: Double distilled in small stills for a fuller flavor. The smaller stills result in less division of alcohols in the vapor, allowing more oils and aromas to be carried with it.
Maturation: Aged in a combination of 80% ex-Bourbon casks and 20% Sherry oak casks.
Age Statement: Not explicitly mentioned, but hints at youthfulness suggest it might be around three years old.
Color: Full golden tone, not intensely colored by the Sherry casks.
Clarity: Un-chill filtered and uncolored, ensuring natural clarity and purity.
Bottle Design: Heavy and well-crafted with engravements of the distillery name. Features a larger cork for reliability.

Nose: Sherry sweetness, dried fruits, malt, caramel, vanilla.
Palate: Warmth from the sherry, autumn fruit, nutty flavors, hint of spice, smooth and mellow.
Finish: Fruity, nutty, oaky, with a long aftertaste. Some youthfulness detected, presenting as a slight metallic note, which is covered by sherry and oakiness in subsequent tastings.

Distillery Rebirth: The original Wolfburn Distillery was established in 1821 but had long disappeared. The new distillery was built by Shane Fraser and Ian Kerr, reviving the Wolfburn name.
Name Origin: The name "Wolfburn" is inspired by a sea wolf, a fantasy species, reflecting the distillery's coastal heritage and imaginative spirit.

Northern Lights: The whisky is named "Aurora" after the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, visible from Scotland under specific conditions. This name ties the whisky to its geographical location and the natural beauty of the Scottish northern skies.

"Wonderfully smooth and mellow, this really is a first-class whisky." - Shane Fraser, Distillery Manager.
"It's pleasant, it's intense, powerful... some complexity still missing, but that definitely shows where it comes from." - Horst GLuening, Master Taster.

Wolfburn Aurora is a single malt Scotch whisky from the northernmost distillery on the Scottish mainland.
It features a blend of ex-Bourbon and Sherry oak cask maturation, offering a rich flavor profile of sherry sweetness, dried fruits, and nutty notes.
The whisky is named after the Aurora Borealis, highlighting its connection to the unique geographical and natural beauty of its origin.
Despite its youth, Aurora presents a complex and enjoyable tasting experience, with a smooth and mellow character complemented by a long aftertaste.

For Beginners: Its smoothness and balanced flavor profile make it an accessible choice for those new to whisky.
For Enthusiasts: The unique story of the distillery's revival and the whisky's connection to the Northern Lights may appeal to enthusiasts interested in distillery history and geographical significance.
For Collectors: The bottle's design and the distillery's northernmost status on the mainland make it a noteworthy addition to a collection.