It’s a curious thing when a bottle sits on my shelf, untouched for so long that it gathers a layer of dust. That was the case with the Wolfburn 10 Year Old, a special release celebrating the distillery’s first decade of whisky. Matured in Oloroso sherry casks, I had no specific reason for neglecting it. After a recent request, I decided it was time to pour a dram and give this Highland single malt a proper, unbiased look.
Before I even get to the liquid, there is an unusual mystery to address. The bottle and box clearly state the whisky is 46% ABV. However, here in Ontario, the local liquor board (the LCBO) has slapped its own label on the box, marking it at 42.4%. This is a significant difference. The LCBO lab tests products, and I can only speculate on the reasons. Perhaps it was a single rogue bottle that happened to be off, or maybe there’s another explanation entirely. For the purpose of this review, I’m tasting it with the official 46% in mind, as that is what most people will experience globally.
On the nose and palate, the whisky is very approachable. It presents as a classic, well-balanced scotch aged in a mix of first-fill and refill sherry casks. There is no overwhelming sherry bomb here, just a nicely integrated profile. There is nothing off-putting about it. It drinks a lot like an unpeated Highland Park 12, carrying many of those familiar malty and fruity notes without any smoke. It is certainly a richer experience than many entry-level single malts, and to be honest, it feels much closer to its stated 46% ABV than the lower figure on the box.
Revisiting this whisky, I believe I may have let the power of suggestion from another taster’s notes put me off it initially. Tasting it fresh now, I find none of the characteristics they mentioned. It serves as a good reminder to always trust your own palate. My final verdict is that the Wolfburn 10 is a good whisky. It is reasonably priced and delivers a quality experience. However, it does not have a unique spark that demands my immediate attention or a rush to buy another bottle. It is good enough, but not overwhelmingly so
Ultimately, the Wolfburn 10 is a competent and enjoyable dram that I would happily recommend, yet it sits in a very competitive category. It is a solid, reliable choice that will not disappoint anyone looking for a classic, unpeated sherried profile. Have you ever let someone else’s opinion color your perception of a whisky before you even tried it?
For more detailed tasting notes on the Wolfburn 10 Year Old, watch my YouTube video.
Read the full article at Revisiting The Wolfburn 10 Year Old
