Linkwood is one of those distilleries that rarely disappoints me. Be it an ex-bourbon or an ex-sherry matured whisky, the spirit works very well in either cask type. I recently had the chance to taste my oldest Linkwood to date, a 40 year old from 1973 bottled by Gordon & MacPhail. Quite the exclusive whisky, but not as good as I’d hoped.
Linkwood 1973/2013 (43%, Gordon & MacPhail)
Nose: Pretty fresh and vibrant. Lovely sherry influences. Cherries, mandarines and raspberry. Some light spice influence, with mainly cinnamon. Not very complex, but pleasant and balanced.
Taste: An older sherry profile. Spicier now, with cloves and cinnamon again. Some tobacco leaves as well. A feint note of cherry syrup and dried fruits. Menthol too. The oak is noticeable, but not distracting.
Finish: Spicy. Menthol again. Short to medium in length.
Rating: 85
Liked the profile a lot, and it certainly is a very pleasant whisky. But the nose wasn’t too complex and the finish a tad short.
