Linkwood’s role as a crucial lynchpin in the Diageo blending machine means we don’t see much of it on the market – just 2% of production gets bottled on its own – but this elusive, fan-favorite Speyside distillery shines in this four-cask run from Single Malts of Scotland. A spry, young 10 Year Old done in all new hogsheads, this is quintessential Speyside and classic Linkwood in its purest form, with no bells or whistles. Such a precisely crafted example, the gorgeous medium-light gold color leads to a very bright, fresh nose with citrus zest and invigorating salt spray as the beautifully pure, clean malt takes center stage. Apple and pear emerge with some sweet cereal undertones, rounded out by luscious hints of honeydew melon. The palate shows the rich side of the malt, especially after a few drops of water. It maintains its elegance in the light salinity and lemon curd flavors, but soon offers up a raft of deep, well-rounded barrel notes like cinnamon pie crust cookies (the ones my mom still makes to this day) and light toffee, before coming back around to candied ginger and herbal tea on the finish. After about 45 minutes, the empty glass was all chocolate fudge brownie aromas. Wild, but nothing is out of place or overwhelming – it’s just a fascinating, multi-layered single malt that does everything it’s supposed to do, in its own singular fashion.
93 points, Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer (Dec 2024)
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