Wolfburn Private Cask 2017/540

In February 2019 I tried this whisky before it could be named as such. The cask was filled in November 2017, to it would take at least until November 2020 before it was worthy of the name. Tom Haseldonckx, owner of this private cask #540, did not want to risk any Brexit entanglements and had it bottled and shipped before year’s end. So it is a youngling, which could not be helped. That does not stop us from enjoying this, however. I will keep some water handy, for it’s at cask strength.

Surprisingly creamy nose on Werther’s Originals, white chocolate, dried coconut and soft vanilla. Some lime zest and gooseberries in the background. Nice floral hint with some green hummus on the crust of a white bread. Some crystal sugar and two kernels of salt (Mark, give me a break). Young and cheeky… I like it. Adding water brings out more citrus.

Creamy and powerfull as was to be expected. The salty element arrives first, followed by freshly sawed planks, before the vanilla, white chocolate and coconut allow themselves to be discovered. Quite peppery, though. The wood spices make themselves known, but water is not really necessary. But for science purposes, let’s just add a few drops. It takes water well. Some more citrus and a bit more sweetness.

Long finish on toasted oak, pepper and white chocolate. Diluted the chocolate loses ground against some fresh lemon juice.

A cheeky cub from Thurso. Tom can be proud of this selection, although I understand his desire to have kept it in the cask a bit longer. You can taste the potential. But it’s already quite good so he mustn’t fuss. I’m happy he kept me in mind too. I’ll cherish this bottle.