Linkwood 12 Years Old Flora and Fauna (43%, OB, 2014)

• 43% ABV,
• £44 for 70cl
• Score: 83/100

What they say:

Linkwood distillery stands on the River Lossie, close to Elgin in Speyside. The distillery has retained its traditional atmosphere since its establishment in 1821. Great care has always been taken to safeguard the character of the whisky which has remained the same through the years. Linkwood is one of the finest single malt scotch whiskies available – full bodied with a hint of sweetness and a slightly smoky aroma.

What I say:

Another of the Flora and Fauna series, this time Linkwood distilleries 12 year old offering. Linkwood whisky seems to be one of those frequently used in blends we have sampled (e.g. Compass Box), however we haven’t really come across that many unadulterated single malt expressions. This is despite numerous offerings being available. So I decided to start with this ‘standard’ 12 year old to get a feel for their base spirit/maturation from Linkwood and take it from here.

Colour:

Light amber gold with thick strong tears

Nose:

Floral violet, rose, lavender, crisp green apples, cereal and honey, vanilla custard, strawberries and cream, apple blossom, estery pear drops, sandalwood and hay

Taste:

Light, fragrant, vanilla, coconut, cereal barley, lavender and rose water, custard apple (cherimoya), creamy, oranges and apples and blossom honey

Finish:

Medium, sweet, fragrant cream and custard

Overall:

A very enjoyable dram with some unusual and interesting flavours hidden in its depths, mostly it is typically honeyed fruity ‘speyside’ at its finest with floral hints.