Linkwood 12 years Flora & Fauna

Linkwood is mostly famous among blenders, but as a single malt it is also great. However, only 2% of Linkwood is bottled as a Single Malt. The rest disappears as Single Malt in the blends of Haig, Bell's, White Horse and Dimple! Normally characterised by sweet and fruity notes, this 12-year-old shows a different profile. Greener and fatter, but still with the characteristic delicate sweetness. It is an official bottling under Diageo's Flora & Fauna label. The label shows a pair of swans, as they regularly swim around in the pond, next to the distillery, called the Linkwood Burn, which is meant to collect cooling water. Bottled at an ABV of 43

Official tasting notes:

Appearance: Old gold.

Body: Mouth-filling, smooth and medium-bodied.

Nose: The first impression is of fresh soft-fruits (but indistinguishable), with a hint of vanilla in the background. Then light cigar-box notes are perceptible, and a faint hint of expensive ladies' perfume. The whole effect is civilized, complex and tightly integrated. With water, it opens into carnations and lavender, with a whiff of perfumed smoke. There are traces of juicy green sticks, then cedar-wood, with undercurrents of pomander or dried orange peel.

Palate: Mouth-filling and smooth. Sweet, overall. Viscous, but fresh and clean: a pleasant acidity helps to maintain this.

Finish: Cedar notes emerge in the finish, which is long.

Linkwood Distillery

Linkwood Distillery is located in the Speyside region, near Elgin in Moray. Founded in 1821 by Peter Brown, Linkwood has a long and rich history of producing high-quality whiskies. The distillery is known for its traditional production methods and focus on quality.

A unique feature of Linkwood is the use of old oak washbacks, which contribute to the complex flavour profiles of their whiskies. The distillery draws its water from the Millbuies Springs, which contributes to the purity of their products. Linkwood whiskies are known for their elegant and delicate flavour profiles, with notes of flowers, fruit, vanilla and a subtle hint of spice.

The whiskies are mainly matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, making for a rich and layered flavour experience. Linkwood produces single malts as well as whiskies for blends, such as Johnnie Walker and White Horse. The combination of a beautiful location, traditional techniques and high-quality production makes Linkwood a respected name in the world of Scotch whisky.