Wolfburn Spirit Sample 2013

As Wolfburn filled their first cask on 25th January 2013, I expect we will soon see the first single malt (the unpeated version that is, as the peated version is scheduled for a late 2017 release). The first 875 numbered bottles of Wolfburn single malt at 46% are ready to go, but I am told they would be around 220 EUR per bottle. Seriously? For a three year old at drinking strength? That seems a bit much. I was lucky enough to get a sample that matured for 28 months on an ASB (American Standard Barrel). Let us start with that.

The nose is very promising. Round and creamy with loads of vanilla, sweet – almost tropical – fruit sprinkled in crystal sugar with a salty edge. Jelly beans. Coconut. Floral notes with quite a bit of spices. Hint of hummus. Honey. The addition of water makes is softer (doh!), but also supresses the saltiness. It makes it a bit more green – if you know what I mean.

The arrival is very powerful indeed (cask strength after all) and very spicy. Again sweet (almost candy-like), but then the saltiness takes the upper hand. Quite some oak, woodsmoke, baking spices and honey. Quite oily. But brakish towards the end. Adding water changes little, but makes it a lot more quaffable, of course.

The finish is medium long and returns the sweetness. But it remains a maritime malt.

Yes, this is quite good. Fairly complex for such a young animal. Ready to be bottled in my book. Will I buy it? For 220 EUR I would rather add something else to the cabinet.