Wolfburn Langskip

Wolfburn tasting evening at The Oak Barrel, Sydney, May 30th 2019: Whisky #5 Nose: Large, sweet floral and fruity. Butterscotch and toffee with fruit aromas. There are some hints that remind you this is a young spirit (the slightly harsh and almost gritty notes). On the whole this is very much like the Northland expression on steroids. A slightly soapy aroma is the only off note. Palate: Sweet and smooth with a somewhat hot arrival from the high abv (however there's no intrusive ethanol note). Some vanilla and the characteristic Wolfburn spice character is still present but it's now well into a supporting role. The texture is oily and quite thick. There is a briny intrusion but the main fault (if indeed it is a fault) of the palate is simplicity. There is no substitute for maturity, and this spirit needs more time in the cask to achieve greatness. Finish: Medium/long. The spicy notes are the main feature, and they gradually fade into a sweet aftertaste. Langskip (i.e. "longship") is a cask-strength release matured exclusively in first-fill bourbon casks for 5 years. It's a big, spirit-forward whisky as the casks have not had enough time to exert a lot of influence. Water opens the palate, increases sweetness and refreshes the spice notes, but it tends to reveal the simplicity of the profile at the same time. The only faults with this whisky are due to youth - it is a bit narrow of profile, short-lived and falls apart quickly. However what is present is all of a very high order. Obviously a young distillery needs to release product as soon as possible, and make no mistake, this is a good whisky, but I'd love to taste this with a further 5 years of maturation when it has gained some composure and authority. At that time it will probably be quite awesome. "Good": 85/100 (4 stars)

Nose: Candied fruits, crystallized ginger, malt. Palate: Dried fruit (sultanas and apricots), ginger, pepper, and pine nuts. Finish: A rather short finish, with more ginger and pepper. Some sweet fruit remains, quite bright and lively right at the end (Granny Smith and citrus). Adding a bit of water truly enhances this, revealing a more complex experience. The fruit becomes more pronounced, while the lovely spiciness is maintained. Overall, I've been quite impressed with many of Wolfburn's releases. Their range consistently delivers quality, and this is no exception. It's a bit intense at the full 58% from the bottle, so a couple of drops of water are highly recommended to liven it up. Another fine dram from Wolfburn.

Aroma: potent and sharp, apples and pears, vanilla, aged bourbon wood. Palate: A 58% impact with chocolate and raisins, marzipan, very "hot". Finish: Warm and silky, smooth, leaves a fantastic chocolate flavor. Excellent without age statement, even though I'm not usually a fan of spirits with such a high alcohol content, I was very impressed here. Rating 4.25 _____________________________________ Nose: strong and pungent, apples and pears, vanilla, ex-bourbon wood. Taste: 58% hit of chocolate and raisins, marzipan, very "hot". Finish: warm and silky, smooth, leaves a wonderful chocolate flavor. Great NAS, although I'm not a fan of whiskeys with such a high alcohol content, I was favorably impressed here. Score 4.25

This isn't terrible, but it doesn't inspire excitement. It feels young, though not bad. Some sourness makes me question the oak quality. I'd expect more bourbon notes from American oak/ex-bourbon barrels. Nose: Light, with floral notes, dried fruits, sugar, and almond. Palate: Vanilla, almond, citrus, juicy oak, ethanol, and bitters. Finish: Long, with a slightly bitter and spicy tingle. Mouthfeel: Warming and somewhat oily.

I sampled most of Wolfburn's products at a tasting event. Among Aurora, 375, Northland, Morven, Langskip, The Nectar, and 318, I favored the 375 and 318. However, at this price point, I believe there are superior alternatives available to me. Langskip initially presented apple and candy aromas on the nose. It fills the mouth with a peppery burn and alcohol burn, along with apple, salty sea air, almond, a slightly medicinal note, and caramel.

I received this as a sample in an advent calendar. It required some patience to discern the aroma. Very malty. The palate offered a powerful burst of flavor, sitting pleasantly and sweetly on the tongue for a time. It concludes rapidly, leaving only an alcoholic burn at the back of the throat.