Wolfburn Distillery

Wolfburn Distillery stands in Thurso, Caithness, in the Highlands. It is the most northerly whisky distillery on the Scottish mainland. The original distillery opened in 1821 and was run by the Smith family for decades. It produced 28,056 total gallons of proof spirit in 1826, making it the biggest in Caithness at the time. The old site fell into ruin during the 19th century, with no photographs or clear records of its end. A new distillery opened nearby in 2013, built in Henderson Park about 350 metres from the original. The revived distillery draws water from the Wolf Burn, which gives it its name. It consists of four buildings: the distillery itself and three warehouses for maturing casks. Local company Forsyths installed the plant and equipment. Bottling began in 2016 in a purpose-built facility on site. The first age-statement whisky, a 10 Year Old, was released in 2023, followed by younger expressions and a 12 Year Old in 2025. Visitors find a working distillery with modern equipment alongside traditional methods. The site includes the distillery building, warehouses and a bottling hall. Tours explain how whisky is made from water to cask. The surroundings include Henderson Park, where the new distillery sits. The water from the Wolf Burn plays a key role in the whisky’s character. Awards and recognition highlight the quality of the spirit produced here.