Wolfburn Distillery - Heritage Reborn in Scotland's Highland Single Malts
Nestled in the unspoilt countryside of Thurso, Caithness, Wolfburn Distillery stands as a testament to Scotland’s vibrant whisky-making heritage. Revived in 2013 after almost 150 years of inactivity, the distillery marks the rebirth of the lost Wolfburn heritage while carving out a new identity. This article delves into the fascinating journey of Wolfburn Distillery, highlighting its history, contemporary revival and the rich, distinctive single malts that whisky connoisseurs the world over are enthralled with.
Historical Roots
The original Wolfburn Distillery was established in 1821 and quickly became one of the largest distilleries in Scotland. The distillery, situated on the banks of the Wolf Burn River, took its name from this. Despite a successful start, production ceased around 1872 for mysterious reasons.
A New Beginning
After more than a century of stagnation, the Wolfburn legacy was reborn in 2013. A group of whisky enthusiasts decided to build a new distillery close to the old site, on the same Wolf Burn river. The new building adheres to the traditional method of production while taking into account modern quality standards.
From grain to glass
Wolfburn's unique approach to whisky making starts with carefully selected malts, fermented and distilled in hand-crafted equipment. The spirit is aged in selected oak casks and matured to perfection in the cool Scottish climate. The distillery produces both peated and unpeated whiskies, providing a range of flavour profiles.
Whiskey selection
Wolfburn's whisky range ranges from classic, rich single malts to more complex and nuanced varieties. Among the favourites is "Northland", the first whisky from the reborn distillery, which is a deep, round malt whisky with notes of fruit, caramel and light smoke. "Aurora" is another notable variant, matured in sherry casks and offering a rich and full-bodied taste experience.
The future of Wolfburn
Although relatively new to the Scottish whisky landscape, Wolfburn Distillery has already made a major impact. With a relentless focus on quality and tradition, while taking into account the tastes of modern consumers, Wolfburn is well-positioned for the future.
The story of the reborn Wolfburn is both a tribute to Scotland's rich whisky past and a sign of the industry's brilliant future. For whisky enthusiasts worldwide, Wolfburn represents a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Scotland's lost distilling history while enjoying a fine dram of Highland single malt.
