Wolfburn Morven

Score: 61

Wolfburn Morven is the lightly peated expression from Scotland’s northernmost mainland distillery, and it’s bottled at 46%, non-chill filtered, no added colour, and proudly youthful. It’s a dram that doesn’t pretend to be older than it is, but instead leans into its raw charm with confidence. Young but characterful, this will appeal to those who like a touch of the sea in their dram. The nose is a little feisty at first—briny peat smoke, citrus peel, and mineral notes, but it softens with time, revealing hints of apple, white grape, and toasted oak. On the palate, it’s mellower than expected. Nutty malt and soft smoke mingle with peppered oak and caramelised fruit, giving it a rounded, slightly coastal feel. The finish brings sweet shortbread and ginger, with a flicker of peat moss and lemon candy lingering in the background. It’s a decent example of a young, spirit-led, coastal single malt. Not overly smoky, but enough to intrigue. And more importantly, it offers a glimpse of the potential quality of future releases. Wolfburn is an interesting proposition, still early in its journey, but already showing signs of thoughtful craftsmanship. One to watch as it matures, both in age and reputation.