Wolfburn Aurora Scotch Whisky
Wolfburn Aurora Scotch Whisky is a 46% ABV (92-proof) unpeated Highland single malt — a three-cask vatting of 40% second-fill ex-Islay quarter casks, 40% first-fill ex-bourbon barrels, and 20% first-fill Oloroso sherry hogsheads, bottled non-chill-filtered with natural colour. Distilled at Wolfburn — Scotland's northernmost mainland distillery, revived at Thurso, Caithness in 2013 on an 1821 site — and named for the aurora borealis that lights the Caithness sky. Order online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 46% (92 proof)
- Size: 750mL (store tag — verify against bottle; export standard is 700mL)
- Aging: No age statement — vatting of Islay quarter casks, ex-bourbon barrels, Oloroso sherry hogsheads
- Origin: Wolfburn Distillery, Thurso, Caithness — Highland, Scotland
- Production: 100% unpeated malt, 75-hour fermentation, double-distilled, dunnage-warehouse matured
The Northern Lights in Three Casks
Aurora was the second expression Wolfburn ever released, and it remains the distillery's cask-study showcase. Vatted by distillery manager Shane Fraser, it layers three wood regimes: ex-Islay quarter casks for smoke-adjacent spice and intensity, first-fill bourbon barrels for vanilla and honey, sherry hogsheads for dried fruit. A long 75-hour fermentation gives the spirit itself extra fruit before the wood does its work. Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2020) and 92 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge mark it as a quiet achiever among scotch whisky — worth a look alongside the rest of the Wolfburn range.
Tasting Notes
Sherry-led nose — raisin, orange peel, toasted oak — over malt and vanilla. The palate is layered: dried fruit, honey, spice from the quarter casks, gentle oak tannin. Finish is medium-long with sherry warmth and malt sweetness.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a few drops of water to let the three casks separate on the palate. A natural next pour for drinkers moving from bourbon into sherry-influenced Scotch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What casks are used in Wolfburn Aurora?
40% second-fill ex-Islay quarter casks, 40% first-fill ex-bourbon barrels, 20% first-fill Oloroso sherry hogsheads.
Is Wolfburn Aurora peated?
No — it is unpeated malt; the Islay quarter casks contribute wood character and spice, not heavy smoke.
Where can I buy Wolfburn Aurora online?
This bottle is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor — it ships from San Diego, CA.
Three casks, one Highland malt, northern-lights name — buy Wolfburn Aurora online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.