43°
Distillery : Linkwood - Speyside
American Oak Bourbon Barrels
Original Bottling
Core Range
Single Malt
Launched in 1990
Totally Unpeated
Only 2% of what the distillery produces becomes Single Malt, the rest being used to make a number of world-famous blends, including the Johnnie Walker Green Label. This distillate is therefore rare, but appreciated by connoisseurs. This 12-year-old is part of the vast Flora & Fauna range, although this is not specified on the bottle. There are dozens of different bottlings in the range. It is the only expression in the distillery's regular range. We'd love to see more.
Let's Taste It :
Very fresh and fruity on the nose, with citrus pulp and vanilla, but also orchard fruits, pink apples and juicy pears, exotic fruits, grapefruit, melon and kiwi. In the background, a few woody spices, peppery cloves and discreet cereals. Like when you open a cigar box. Oily and sweet on the palate, between almond paste and vanilla cream, tinder, cinnamon, mint leaf and a pinch of cumin. The finish is long and opens out slowly, full of indulgence, meringue, whipped cream, sponge cake. Then it becomes woodier and spicier, chestnut, bark, acorns. Cotton ball.
In Short,
This is a very pleasant whisky, well-made and intense. Full-bodied, full of fruit and pastry, it really has everything you wish. The price is sometimes a little high, and it's also hard to find, which is a shame. It could be more popular if it were better distributed.
Score : 87
To Be Listened While Sipping :
Chris Adam - Devil's Com'n My Way