Linkwood 25 Years Release 2023 - Gordon & MacPhail
This Speyside distillery, rooted in the heart of Scotland's whisky region since 1821, has never distinguished itself with a loud market presence. Instead, it prefers to leave the talking to independent bottlers such as Gordon & MacPhail, who have understood the craft of giving casks time and space for over a century.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Green apple dominates the first wave, fresh and lively, as if you had just bitten into an unripe fruit. But this youthful impression is deceptive, because behind it lies a powerful sweet malt note reminiscent of freshly baked bread. What gives this Linkwood its special character is a certain funky element in the caramel, a slight imperfection that gives the whole thing personality. The oak makes itself heard confidently, not intrusively, but present and clear. Butterscotch and an astonishingly accurate note of butterbeer, reminiscent of the buttery sweetness of the Harry Potter drink, mingle with the aromas. Toast and a fine complexity turn the nose into a delicately woven tapestry of scents. Finally, a surprising citrus soda note joins in, almost like Fanta, lending the whole an unexpected freshness.
Palate
Spice leads the way, accompanied by a tingling, almost prickly sensation in the mouth. The oak, which already announced its presence on the nose, now takes the lead and dominates the scene. This is where the true essence of this 25-years malt comes to the fore. Cask ageing takes centre stage, without apology, without compromise. A fine acidity brings structure into play, while a creamy texture provides balance. The whisky fills the mouth with fullness, showing its full maturity. Malt reappears, now accompanied by a delicate powdered sugar sweetness that elegantly softens the woody profile. A hint of nut creeps in, subtle and only noticeable for a moment. This is not a whisky that flaunts superficial complexity. It is a straightforward malt that knows its craft: presenting oak, and doing it right.
Finish
The finish is medium-long and surprisingly lively. Light oak tannins gently dry the palate without becoming astringent. The green apple from the beginning returns, accompanied by a citrus freshness that gives the finish a tangy, almost lively quality. The dryness remains, not unpleasant, but cleansing, preparing the palate for the next sip.
Thoughts
Marcel 86/100
This Linkwood 25 delivers exactly what I love about a well-aged Speysider: clear oak spice, a touch of playful sweetness, and that charming, almost cheeky funkiness on the finish. No frills, just honest craftsmanship that’s enjoyable and makes you eager for the next sip – a true pleasure for purists with character!
Sascha 84/100
The Linkwood 25 years impresses with its clear structure and focus on cask maturation, which defines and shapes the malt. The balanced interplay between spicy oak, subtle acidity, and creamy texture makes it a straightforward yet complex Speyside whisky that leans more towards honesty than playfulness.
Value for Money: No rating
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87/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Linkwood 25 Years Release 2023 by Gordon & MacPhail special in terms of taste?
The whisky stands out through a combination of fresh green apple and sweet malt notes, complemented by a lightly funky caramel and buttery touches reminiscent of butterbeer. The pronounced oak presence and fine acidity give it depth, while the creamy texture and subtle nutty hints provide balance.
How does the cask maturation influence the character of the Linkwood 25 Years?
The 25-year cask maturation is central to the flavor profile, bringing a strong oak influence that is evident both on the nose and palate. This aging imparts a full-bodied texture, delicate acidity, and a medium-length, dry, lively finish with oak tannins.
Why is Linkwood as a distillery relatively unknown despite the whisky being of high quality?
Linkwood has traditionally not engaged in aggressive marketing but often leaves bottling and presentation to independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail. As a result, the distillery itself remains in the background, while the quality of its whiskies is showcased by experienced bottlers.