Wolfburn Small Batch Release No. 128

Nose: Boldly oily and malty, yet brightened by a sharp menthol note. Orange peel, burlap, tobacco, buttery pastry, and vanilla extract. With water and time, the nose yields floral scents, primarily frangipani and honeysuckle. There's a subtle, oily, almost fruity smoke, unlike most peaty aromas. Palate: A sweet, spicy, herbal arrival. Black pepper and smoked lemon preserved in brine. Vanilla, apple, and stone fruits. A sweet malty taste emerges with a sharp minty/aniseed hint. A very pleasing texture. Finish: Medium to long. Warm ginger spices gradually fade to a sweet citrus aftertaste. A vibrant and lively malt with substantial character, its youth only evident in a lack of complexity. Minimal smoke or oak, and what's present is soft and subtle. It's a spirit-forward whisky, too young for significant barrel influence. I'm eager to see its development with an additional 6-8 years of aging. The watered nose is quite different from the neat profile. This whisky integrates well with water (usually a positive sign) and its character shifts significantly as water is added. A small amount reveals more spice while only moderately softening the spirit. However, it can be diluted to 50/50 strength (around 23% ABV) without detriment. At this dilution, it becomes a delightful, easy-drinking summer beverage that still possesses a strong character and reveals numerous fragrant, sweet floral notes. Most impressive; the official rating is far too low. If this distillery can maintain its current quality, it will be spoken of with the same respect in a couple of decades as some highly regarded producers today. "Very Good”: 86/100 (4 stars)

Offers good complexity. The nose is sweet, with honeycomb and cinder toffee, which then develops on the palate from fresh grass to warmth and smoke, carrying hints of orange and apple. The lingering finish is of wispy peat smoke and toffee apple.

The sherry cask version was an average pour. However, this one, which we sampled at Dramfest '18, was good. Rated 3.75... I have a soft spot for first fill whiskeys:-)

The aroma was mild, not smoky. The content was quite oily. The taste was aromatic. The aftertaste had a little bit of vanilla.

Surprisingly light in color. Fairly smooth. Very little smoke. It's not bad, but I prefer Laphroaig 10 over this.

Delicate and flavorful with considerable complexity!