Whisky Review/Tasting: Linlithgow 1982 Signatory

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Linlithgow, Lowlands, Scotland.
Type: Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation: Produced using two pot stills.
Maturation: Matured in a wine-treated butt (approximately 500 liters).
Age Statement: 25 years.
ABV: Cask strength at 59.2%.
Color and Clarity: Original color, as Signatory Vintage does not color its whisky. It is chill-filtered and appears darker due to its cask strength, presenting a light, fruity color.
Bottle Design: Not specifically described, but it's a part of the Signatory Vintage series, which typically features detailed labeling with distillation and bottling dates, cask type, and number.

Balance of Flavors: Dominated by light, fruity notes with a surprising lightness for its age.
Unique Characteristics: Despite its age, it presents a profile more akin to a much younger whisky, with a notable absence of dark fruits or sherry influences.
Comparison: Described as having a typical Speyside flavor profile, despite being a Lowland whisky, due to its light and fruity characteristics.

Distillery History: Linlithgow, later known as St. Magdalene, was founded in 1765 and has a rich history, including mergers and ownership by significant companies. It ceased production in 1983.
Cask Rarity: This particular bottle comes from one of the very few casks left of this distillery, making it a rare find for collectors.

Historical Significance: Linlithgow's connection to Scottish royalty and its role as one of the founding members of the Scottish Malt Distillers highlights its importance in Scotland's whisky heritage.
Geographical Significance: The distillery's location in the Lowlands and its traditional use of two pot stills reflect the regional preferences for smoother, lighter whiskies.

Personal Opinion: The reviewer, Horst Luening, expressed disappointment with the whisky's lightness and lack of complexity for its age, stating he wouldn't have purchased the bottle himself.
Quote: "It's too light for 25 years. If I had to guess, I would say 12 years. Far too light."

Linlithgow 1982 is a rare Lowland single malt Scotch whisky, matured for 25 years and bottled at cask strength by Signatory Vintage.
Despite its age, it presents a surprisingly light and fruity profile, more typical of a younger Speyside whisky.
The distillery has a rich history, including its eventual closure in 1983, making bottles from Linlithgow highly sought after by collectors.
The reviewer was notably unimpressed by the whisky's lack of depth and complexity, suggesting it might only appeal to collectors rather than enthusiasts seeking a rich tasting experience.

Whisky Collectors: Given its rarity and historical significance, collectors seeking to own a piece of Scottish whisky history might find this bottle appealing.
Speyside Whisky Enthusiasts: Those who prefer the light, fruity profiles typical of Speyside whiskies might enjoy this Lowland whisky's similar characteristics.
Beginners: New whisky drinkers might appreciate its lighter flavor profile, though the high ABV may require dilution.
Connoisseurs Seeking Complexity: Might want to skip this one, as its profile does not match the expected complexity and depth of a 25-year-old whisky.