In 2024 Wolfburn released a Manzanilla Cask Finish. They used these dry wine casks to finish a single malt with an undisclosed age, which previously matured in ex-bourbon barrels. In fact not much information is given, but Manzanilla casks tend to pique our interest anyway.
Kudos to Wolfburn for consistently talking about “Manzanilla casks” and not “Manzanilla sherry casks”.
I’m not particularly fond of the electric blue colour of the label, but it surely stands out on a shelf and there’s a coastal character to it.
Wolfburn Manzanilla Cask Finish (46%, OB 2024, 1900 btl.)
Nose: a good sense of Manzanilla in fact. Lemon zest, hints of chalk and sunflower seeds. Even a hint of chamomile, or is that imagination? Then back to grassy notes, evergreen needles, cashew nuts and a hint of sour butter. A light sweetness of wood shavings in the background.
Mouth: fairly oily and mineral, but also quite green, now also showing a mild bitterness. Green pepper, drying malty notes, lemon peels and a mineral note. Almonds, more hay and chalk, which are also markers of a good Manzanilla. Then a mild sweetness from the oak, think honey and sultanas, along with some white pepper.
Finish: medium length, with citrus notes, dried herbs and mild spice.
Pretty good whisky with a true sense of Manzanilla, in my opinion. Wolfburn seems to pair with Manzanilla really well, better than other examples I’ve had. Perhaps a little simple to score higher though. Available from TyndrumWhisky for instance. I found a sample at Whiskysite.nl.