Wolfburn No. 155

(Vita Dulcis Advent Calendar 20/24) Despite my dislike for the standard Wolfburn line, I've become a minor supporter due to their limited small batch releases. I've sampled several, but couldn't acquire this specific one. Let's see how it compares to my preferred 375. Nose: A familiar, delightful Wolfburn aroma with an enhanced port influence. Abundant fruity notes of peaches, pears, apples, and sweet berries, alongside some vegetal and savory spicy hints, then a touch of dry, unharvested autumn grain, mild dried apricots, orange juice, and hints of vanilla. Palate: A sweet and slightly fiery start, transitioning to a sweet and tart prickliness on the tongue, similar to intensely sour candy from childhood. Once that subsides a bit, you get a pleasant trail mix, crisp banana chips, apple skin, apple seeds, and a distinct Asian nashi pear. Finish: Notes of nuts, baked apple, ample malt, and lemon juice. Verdict: What an exciting and intriguing whisky. The flavors provide a wonderful experience; this is a very promising spirit that fuels my anticipation for Wolfburn's future offerings. Upon reflection, it strongly resembles the Bruichladdich Classic Laddie 10y, but with a more intense character and greater fruitiness.

Nose: Slightly chemical, like almond paste Palate: Peppermint, pleasantly spicy, cookie dough, chili, lavender Finish: Warming and sweet, dry oak, pencil shavings Overall, it's an interesting and spicy dram, but there's a persistent underlying off-note that's a bit bitter.

Whiskey galore generously opened their collection before the tasting, and my attention was drawn to this one. Wolfburn produced a lot of subpar products early on, but they've significantly improved. Aged 4 years in bourbon, then 6 months in port barrel.