DISTILLERY FOCUS: LINKWOOD

Linkwood Distillery was founded in 1821 by Peter Brown in the town of Elgin in the Speyside area. His son, William Brown, demolished the distillery in 1872 and built a new one in its place. In 1971, the distillery expanded and another new distillery with four new stills was built opposite the old complex. The original Linkwood distillery was in operation until 1996 before it was dismantled in 2013. The newer Linkwood distillery is still in operation today. Linkwood is a great malt for blend and therefore the majority of Linkwood’s spirit is used as a base for blended whiskies. Not many official bottles have been released. For a taste of Linkwood's fruity and elegant flavours, try these 3 recommendations  from independent bottlers!

Linkwood 10 Years from the Concert series of The Whisky Trial was matured in bourbon hogshead. On the nose, Jelly Baby sweets immediately appear, followed by lemon drops and a freshly-cut green apple. Lemon drizzle sponge cake, cloudy apple juice and apple flavoured boiled sweets follow on. On the palate, baked apple sponge pudding with runny vanilla custard is enveloped by sparkling apple juice and a citrusy tang of lemon peel. Bursting with fruit and pleasantly gum-tingling with a sharp and zesty finish.

Shop Now: Linkwood 10 Years

Bottled by A.D. Rattray, the Linkwood 12 Years was matured in bourbon casks and then finished in Sauternes wine barrels. It has orange marmalade, cinnamon and jasmine on the nose. Blackcurrant, fennel seed and spicy sloes on the palate.  At the finish, Seville orange, elderflower and clove.

Shop Now: Linkwood 12 Years

Linkwood-Glenlivet 20 Years is bottled by Cadenhead's and matured in bourbon casks. On the nose, lemon curd followed by strawberry jam and apple pie. On the palate, black peppercorn, cinnamon sticks and butterscotch. More cinnamon, coriander and toasted white bread at the finish.

Shop Now: Linkwood-Glenlivet 20 Years