The details are kinda fuzzy but your description strikes a chord with 'Simon the Sorcerer'. Not exactly starting outside a castle, but it's got the cartoonish art style, wizards, and humor. It was a hit back then so might be the one you're thinking of.

U sure it's not 'Myst'? it's not cartoony but has all the weird puzzles and magic vibes. kind of a stretch ig but thought i'd throw it out there

It's definitely giving me 'Legend of Kyrandia' vibes here, maybe 'Book One' or 'Hand of Fate'. Both games had their share of wizards and castles, plus potion mixing was a thing in 'Hand of Fate'. It’s a bit earlier than the era you mentioned, but not by much. Worth checking those titles out. They were pretty popular on both DOS and early Windows platforms.

Kinda reminds me of 'King's Quest'. There are so many versions tho, it's like a whole series, but there's magic and potions in there and def quests involving castles.

lol, sounds like you dreamt it buddy. wizard in a castle, point and click adventure? be sure to check ur attic, maybe u'll find a flying broomstick too 😂

yo i'm pretty sure you're talking about 'The Castle of Dr. Brain'. That game was all about puzzles in and around a castle, and the wizard-like character would be Dr. Brain himself. classic iq tester, man.

This sounds a lot like 'Torin's Passage'. Sierra made it, came out mid-90s, fits the bill with the animated look and potion-making puzzle. Was a bit different from their usual stuff with a more family-friendly theme. Remember anything about the characters or specific puzzles?

Could it be 'I.M. Meen'? Classic cheesy 90s point-and-click with a weird wizard and books. Doesn't exactly start outside a castle, but it's got that old-school vibe you're talking about.