Linkwood 18 Years Old 1997 Distiller’s Art

By Barry Bradford on June 17, 2019 • ( Leave a comment )

Linkwood 18 Years Old 1997 Distiller’s Art (48%, Langside, Refill HH #HL15067, 148 Bottles, 2016)

ABV: 48%
Age: 18 Years Old
Bottling: Langside, Distiller’s Art, Refill HH #HL15067
Category: Speyside single malt scotch whisky
Cost: £70
Origin: Linkwood distillery
Vintage: 1997

What they say

Distilled June 1997 at Linkwood distillery and matured for over 18 years in refill hogshead #HL15067 before bottling in 2016. Produced 148 bottles at 48%.

What I say

Part of a mixed trio of Speyside malts all hailing from ‘lighter’ style distilleries, I started with this Linkwood bottled by Langside as part of their Distiller’s Art range. I first tried a very nice aged Speyside distillery offering from this range which I was told was originally produced for export to Europe. This particular Linkwood is their youngest at 18 years old, distilled in 1997 and bottled 2016.

My tasting notes:

Appearance: Bright yellow gold (7/20), medium tears, long medium legs.
Nose: Fresh and fruity, apple, pear, peach, almost sherbet, zesty and sweet lemon and lime, a touch of herbal lemon balm and some florality, light barley malt and butterscotch.
Taste: Sugary and zesty on the aplate, syrup with lemon oil, rich fruity sherbet powder, crisp green apples and juicy pear, lemon cheesecake, biscuity base spiced with nutmeg and vanilla.
Finish: Long, a touch drying and oaky, lemon zest and candied peel.

Overall

Bursting with fresh fruit, reminded me a little of caramel apple granny or apple cakes then plenty of citurs zest and some oak wood adds a little depth to this really rather good Linkwood.