1989 Linkwood 27 Year Old “John Milroy” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt – Scotch Whisky News
The Linkwood distillery is one of the crown jewel’s in the Diageo portfolio. The distillery was originally constructed in 1821 and licensed in 1825 making it one of Speysides oldest. Much like Clynelish, in the 1970s a second distillery was erected next door and the original distillery shuttered in 1985. Today the washbacks from both distilleries are still in use, but the stills at the “old” Linkwood are silent. It remains highly prized for blending because it offers a wonderful balance between rich fruit and bold malt. Here we have a stupendous single cask, this one well into its third decade of maturation. It’s extremely rare to see Linkwood at this age, Linkwood above 25 years old becomes an absolute rarity. That’s why we had no problem selling a similarly aged Linkwood from Signatory for $200 not long ago. The style here is ultra classic aromas of baked apples, fresh bartlett pear, earthy malt, and subtle vanilla. On the palate the richness is impressive, the natural result of incredible concentration over nearly three decades. While this is a relatively low abv cask strength it remains incredibly full and textured. On the palate, big fudge cocoa elements pop up around sweet vanillas, subtle antique wood notes and rich orchard fruits. The perfect balance between sweet fruit, malty richness and exotic savory qualities. This is one of those no brainer whiskies for people who really care about complexity over power. No more than the tiniest drop of water for this one.
Anthony Russo | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 20, 2017
This Linkwood has an awesome, and very unique, “old wood” aroma that instantly makes your head spin (in a GREAT way). Beautiful and muted citrus zest, dark molasses, and a faint musky undertone round this scotch out. With loads of complexities and a great mouthfeel, the easy-going alcohol content make this juice go down nice and smooth. Grassy notes on the palate truly give this Scotch a sense of place. Settle into the couch after dinner with a glass of this.
Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 18, 2017
I always look forward to getting a bottling from Linkwood because Linkwood usually offers both good aromatics and great flavors. This bottling from John Milroy has an expressive and pronounced nose of honey and beeswax. In the mouth it is juicy with light and pretty notes of honey and a delicious finish. I tasted this offering with no additional water.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 21, 2017
Here is some really old whisky from a great hard to find distillery for a wonderful price. The nose is all fudge, fruit, and sweet malt. Please don’t add more than the tiniest drop of water (if that) as it’s naturally down to near 90 proof. It must have been in a very humid part of the warehouse. Some air and we start to get baking bread, whiffs of marmalade and old exotic wood. The palate is ultra buttery in texture, luscious and fruit forward. A stupendously drinkable old malt that remains fresh and ultra balanced despite the intense age. A total treat to find such old wonderful whisky at this spectacular price.
