Wolfburn The Kylver Series 8th Release “Wunjo”
70cl / 52.8%
£179.00
- Cask type: Oloroso
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Scotland
- Chilfiltered: No
- Coloring: No
Tasting Notes
Dried fruits, Malt, Caramel
Raisins, Blackberries, Dark Chocolate, Hazelnut, Spices
Medium Finish, Caramel, Honey
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A high-strength, single-cask Oloroso expression celebrating the Norse rune of happiness from Scotland's northernmost mainland distillery.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Wolfburn / Distillery Bottling / Scotland, Highlands (Thurso, Northernmost Mainland) |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Limited Edition, Cask Strength) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | No Age Statement (NAS) / Distilled 2013 / Bottled December 2021 |
| ABV & Size(s) | 52.8% ABV / 70cl |
| Cask / Treatment | Single Oloroso Sherry Methuselah Cask |
| Natural Colour | Yes (Colouring Free) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Yes (Non-Chillfiltered) |
| Cask Strength | Yes |
| Bottle count / Outturn | 990 bottles |
| Intended channel | Specialist Retailers and Enthusiast Collector Markets |
| Packaging | Standard Wolfburn bottle, presentation tube with Kylver Series and Rune artwork. |
| Notes on discrepancies | Named after the rune "Wunjo," meaning joy or happiness. The unusual cask type (Methuselah) is a large vessel (approx. 600 litres), resulting in a generous outturn of 990 bottles. |
Historical Context
Wolfburn, founded in 2013, operates as the northernmost distillery on the Scottish mainland. The Kylver Series is a defining annual collection, dedicated to celebrating the distillery’s deep connection to the Norse heritage of the Northern Highlands, with each release named after a rune.
The 8th Release, "Wunjo" (meaning joy or happiness), is a key bottling from the series, distilled in 2013 and bottled in 2021 after 8 years of maturation. The scarcity is directly linked to the modest outturn of 990 bottles. The specific maturation vessel, a single Oloroso Sherry Methuselah (a cask size of around 600 litres), highlights the distillery's unique approach to sourcing specialty wood, ensuring a powerfully sherried, yet refined, profile that complements the clean, sweet Wolfburn distillate.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The spirit is bottled at Cask Strength, verified at 52.8% ABV. The single cask provenance, coupled with the bottling philosophy, guarantees Non-Chill-Filtration and Natural Colour. The use of Oloroso Sherry ensures intense extraction of dried fruit and spicy flavours over the maturation period.4 The low bottle count (990 bottles) solidifies its position as a highly collectible limited edition.
Documented variants
The Kylver Series is a sequential limited series, with each rune release being a unique cask type and liquid profile. The Wunjo is the 8th release.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 52.8% | 70cl | Global Specialist | Kylver Series 8th Release, single Oloroso Methuselah | High (Limited, Cask Strength, Specific Cask Type) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authentication requires clear verification of the specific release details on the label: "The Kylver Series 8th Release," the rune name "Wunjo," the precise 52.8% ABV, and the outturn of 990 bottles. Due to the recent bottling date (2021), a pristine external presentation tube is expected.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The Cask Strength (52.8% ABV), NCF, and Natural Colour status are non-negotiable for this single cask release, ensuring the consumer experiences the spirit in its unadulterated state. The use of Oloroso Sherry Methuselah defines the maturation vessel.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The profile is rich, sweet, and complex, defined by the interaction between the sweet distillate and the Oloroso wood.
Nose: Dried fruits are dominant, followed by maltiness, and overlaid with rich treacle and caramel notes.
Palate: Soft tones of raisins, dates, and blackberries are accompanied by dark chocolate and hazelnut. It carries a subtle warmth from the sherry and gentle hints of vanilla and soft spices.
Finish: Sweet caramel and delicate floral notes, fading gently. A lingering trace of heather honey is noted at the end.
With water: Not stated by the producer.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The Kylver Series maintains a strong premium over Wolfburn's core range, driven by its limited availability.
Original RRP (GBP): GBP 179.00 (Specialist retail list price).
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): GBP 179.00 – GBP 250.00.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): GBP 110.00.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| UK Retail RRP | Current | 70cl, 52.8% ABV, Boxed | 179.00 | Specialist retail RRP |
| Auction (Hammer) | 26/01/2025 | 70cl, 52.8% ABV | 110.00 | Confirmed recent auction hammer price |
Pricing stratification: The significant difference between RRP and hammer price highlights high availability and an arbitrage opportunity for competitive sourcing.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is moderate. Sourcing should focus on acquiring bottles at auction near the price floor to maximize retail margin.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Wolfburn is renowned for its traditional approach to distillation and its exacting standards of cask management. The house style is defined by a textural mouthfeel and complexity that is achieved relatively early in the maturation cycle. The Kylver Series serves as a flagship range demonstrating the distillery's experimental yet precise use of specialised casks.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: Inventory should target pristine, boxed 70cl bottles. Pricing competitiveness requires securing bottles below the current UK retail floor (GBP 179.00).
Red flags to avoid: Bottles lacking the original presentation box or those where the individual bottle number or rune motif is damaged or illegible.
Condition thresholds: Pristine cosmetic condition is paramount for this collector series.
Margin/velocity expectations: Moderate margin is achievable by securing stock closer to the established secondary market benchmark of GBP 110.00. Velocity is consistent but not high-volume.
