Whisky Review/Tasting: Linkwood 25 years Gordon & MacPhail

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The whisky is from Linkwood Distillery, located in Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: The whisky was distilled at Linkwood Distillery and matured for 25 years in refill sherry casks by the independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail.
Age Statement: 25 years.
Color and Clarity: The whisky is not artificially colored, indicating a natural hue from the cask. The color suggests it might be from a second filling of the cask.
Bottle Design: Part of the Distillery Labels Series by Gordon & MacPhail, featuring a distinctive label with a bird (possibly a falcon) and historical information about the distillery.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a complex balance between fresh, floral notes, and the deeper, spicier influences of oak and sherry casks.
Unique Characteristics: Notably fresh for its age, with a surprising emergence of floral and hay-like aromas, combined with a background of oak spice and a hint of citrus.
Comparison: The flavor profile is distinct from typical sherry cask-aged whiskies due to its refill cask maturation, resulting in less sweetness and more pronounced oak and tannin influences.

Historical Anecdotes: The distillery was established in 1821 by Peter Brown on the Seafield estates of Moray and Banffshire, named after Linkwood House, the family home.
Production Insights: A significant portion of Linkwood's production is used in blends, with only a few casks making their way to independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail for long-term maturation.

Geographical Context: Linkwood Distillery is situated in the Speyside region of Scotland, known for its significant contribution to the Scotch whisky industry.
Cultural Impact: The partnership between distilleries and independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail highlights the tradition of Scotch whisky production and the evolving practices in cask maturation and whisky bottling.

"Astonishing fresh for such an old whisky," highlighting the unexpected freshness and floral notes in a 25-year-old whisky.
"The distillery character is somewhat pushed in the back, and the casks have taken over," indicating the significant influence of long-term cask maturation on the whisky's flavor profile.

Linkwood 25 years old, matured in refill sherry casks by Gordon & MacPhail.
Complex balance of fresh, floral notes with oak spice and a hint of citrus.
Unique for its freshness and less pronounced sweetness typical of sherry cask maturation.
Part of the Distillery Labels Series, featuring historical and distinctive labeling.
Significant cultural and geographical ties to the Speyside region of Scotland.
Noted for its surprising freshness and complexity, despite the long maturation period.

For Whisky Connoisseurs: The complexity and unique maturation process make this a must-try.
For Fans of Speyside Whiskies: Offers a distinctive take on the typical Speyside profile, with less sweetness and more oak influence.
For Collectors: The historical significance and unique bottling series add collectible value.
For Those New to Aged Whiskies: Provides an accessible introduction to the nuanced flavors developed through long-term cask maturation.