Every so often Wolfburn Distillery returns to these pages. By that I mean once every few years. Today’s review of the the Wolfburn Manzanilla is only the fifth time this Scottish producers has featured on Words of Whisky.
I say “only the fifth time”, but many whiskies have been released over the past decade or so, that it’s probably not even a very low number. Relatively speaking, of course. I’ve written more about many other distilleries (both bigger and smaller), simply because I find them more compelling. After all, this blog is not an exact reflection of the whisky industry, but more so of what interests me.
But Manzanilla does interest me. It’s a type of fortified wine and it is not uncommon for whisky to mature in ex-Manzanilla casks. (You’ll notice I didn’t say sherry because I’d rather provide correct information – and also in fear of angering Ruben.) It is similarly produced to Fino sherry, except for where it has been produced. Sanlúcar de Barrameda is closer to the sea, explaining why Manzanilla generally has more coastal notes than Fino.
Wolfburn Manzanilla Cask Finish (46%, OB, 2024)
Nose: Slightly farmy almost, certainly grassy at times, but there’s also room left for peach, some zesty lemons and touches acacia honey. Progressing into fresher territory as we go along. There’s a soft minerality as well, accompanied by a slight note of copper. Finally hints of green tomatoes.
Taste: Decently oily mouthfeel. A tinge of charred oak, roasted malt and dark spices, but also some wet pebbles, more lemons and straw. Sweetness from tinned peaches, while the honey makes an encore as well. Then some oak shavings and almonds.
Finish: Medium length. Slightly dry, gentle spices and some lemon pith. Then some grassier notes to end.
