Wolfburn Northland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Wolfburn Northland is the distillery's first single malt Scotch whisky, matured in ex-Laphroaig quarter casks.

Released in mid-2016, this was the bottling that introduced the rebuilt distillery at Thurso to the world. The spirit spends at least four and a half years in used Islay quarter casks, previously filled with Laphroaig, which pass on a whisper of smoke without the whisky ever being peated itself. Small casks and a cold, coastal warehouse do more in four years than a larger cask would in eight, which is the argument against reading age statements as a proxy for quality. It has drawn considerable praise from the trade since release.

Malty and rounded, with honey, vanilla, a hint of sea air and the faintest trace of smoke from the casks. Neat at room temperature is best, with water if you want it. Try it with smoked salmon, or on its own after dinner.