Wolfburn Aurora 46%
From the distillery website:
Wolfburn is the most northerly whisky distillery on the Scottish mainland, and our master craftsmen fashion their whisky the same way it has always been made: by hand, using only the finest ingredients, and without haste.
This beautiful sherried whisky is made from spirit laid down in a combination of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. Benefitting from long fermentation and slow, gentle distillation, the spirit is laid down on site in our purpose-built warehouses. At the end of the maturation process the casks are brought together to create an exceptionally smooth and perfectly balanced dram.
Non chill-filtered at 46% ABV.
On the Nose: Sherry sweetness is followed by aromas of freshly cut grass and autumn fruits, with just a hint of coffee and dark chocolate.
On the Palate: Floral tones come to the fore, with overtones of spice and vanilla. Fruity sweetness coats the palate, with fruit and nut flavours leading to a warm, soft finish.
Appearance: Pale straw colour, forms a thin line which beads before falling as slow, thick legs.
Nose: Sulltanas, orchard fruits, lemon zest, sweet vanilla, light roast coffee and a waft of fresh grass.
Palate: Dried fruit, pecan nuts, toasted almonds, vanilla pods, and a hint of tobacco leaf whilst cinnamon and ginger adds spicy warmth. A few drops of water open up the whisky further, adding a little more body together with more fruity sherry notes and oaky nuttiness.
Finish: Relatively short and spicy, vanilla, a hint of tobacco leaf, and a little tannic oak dryness. Spicy ginger and warming cinnamon linger on the palate.
Summary: Aurora is a decent whisky, the sherry influence is noticeable without dominating and allows the influence of the bourbon cask to come through. A little thin on the palate when neat, addition of a few drops of water makes a real difference.
Current price is hovering around the £40 mark which feels realistic and represents good value for money. Probably not a whisky I would actively seek out again, but one I would happily accept if offered a dram.
If you would like more information on this whisky, or the Wolfburn distillery, follow the link to the company website.
