Whisky Review/Tasting: Linkwood 37 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation and Maturation: Distilled in 1978, bottled in 2016. Matured in refill American oak hogsheads and refill European oak butts.
Age Statement: 37 years
Color and Clarity: Dark gold transitioning to amber, suggesting a rich and mature whisky.
Bottle Design and Packaging: The whisky comes in a card box with a wood design, featuring copper shining elements. The packaging includes a leaflet with details about the distillery and the whisky. The bottle design incorporates swan neck-shaped stills, reflecting the distillery's connection to swans.

Nose: Fresh fruit and floral characters, with a delicate presentation of fresh fruit notes including honeydew melon, grape, mandarin zest, apple, and pear, over a base of crumbly fudge.
Palate: A smooth texture with a fruity sweetness, sugary notes, and a warming tartness. Flavors include baked apple, black tea, herbal cough candy, rum and raisin ice cream, lime, waxy vanilla, ginger, clove, and a hint of salt.
Finish: Long and warming with a peppery tingle, oaky and herbal notes, dry coating tannins from the European oak casks, and a clean aromatic conclusion with lingering spice.

The Linkwood distillery is known for its picturesque setting, complete with swans gliding across the distillery pond, contributing to a serene atmosphere. The distillery was founded near Elgin in 1825, during a time when distilling malt whisky in the Highlands became legal. Linkwood has a rich history, including a period of expansion in 1971 due to high demand, and the economic challenges faced in the late 70s and early 80s under Margaret Thatcher's government.

Linkwood is a classic Speyside distillery with a long history of producing malt whisky. It is one of the few malts sold as a single malt in Victorian times, highlighting its significance in the whisky industry. The distillery's connection to the natural beauty of its surroundings, including the presence of swans, adds to its cultural and geographical identity.

Horst Luening, the master taster of whisky.com, expresses great enthusiasm for the Linkwood 37 years, noting its complexity, elegance, and the sophisticated balance of flavors. He describes it as a "wonderful piece of work" and acknowledges its rarity and high price point.

Linkwood 37 years is a rare and sophisticated single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside, aged for 37 years and presented in a beautifully designed package. It offers a complex flavor profile with a balance of fresh fruit, sweetness, and warming spices. The distillery's rich history and picturesque setting contribute to the whisky's unique identity. Despite its high price, it is highly regarded by experts for its quality and complexity.

Whisky Collectors: Given its rarity, age, and unique packaging, this whisky is a must-have for collectors.
Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a palate for aged, complex whiskies will appreciate the depth and sophistication of Linkwood 37 years.
Gift Seekers: Ideal as a luxurious gift for a special occasion, especially for someone who appreciates rare and exceptional whiskies.
Nature and History Buffs: Individuals interested in the cultural and geographical significance of their whisky will find the story of Linkwood and its connection to the natural world particularly appealing.