Linkwood has a devoted following at the moment, and it’s easy to see why. The distillery’s signature style lends itself so well to a variety of barrel treatments without ever losing its core identity. We’ve seen it in new hogshead, ex-bourbon cask, and now in this second-fill oloroso butt from Signatory, and it seems to shine in a particular fashion each time, while always remaining true Linkwood juice. Tight and youthful at first, the nose on this one opens into salty Speyside sea breeze and subtle nutty sherry notes – the barrel influence is there but stays in check all the way. Bruised apple, black raisins, marzipan, melon rind, new leather, sesame seed cracker, and coconut macaroons give you an idea of the tension between the whisky and the butt, with characteristics of both showing up in real harmony. This cask is the richest, roundest Linkwood we’ve seen so far, full on entry and well through the mid-palate. The persistent weight and viscosity support flavors of salted marcona almonds, kalamata brine, dark prunes, and anisette cookies. New leather and a wasabi-like punch come out on the medium-long, mentholated finish. For all its weight, the whisky is extremely well balanced with no heat or rough edges whatsoever, fanning out in broad, even waves across the entire palate. If you’re a fan of Linkwood, you’ll love this take on the distillery’s hallmark style.
93 points, Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer (Dec 2025)
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