Over Linkwood for a 2008 expression that has been matured in a single ex-bourbon barrel for 12 years. Bottled at 58.6% ABV this one is still available from The Whisky Exchange for £59.95.
Nose: Trio biscuit (I want one now) - soft toffee coated in milk chocolate sitting atop a crumbly biscuit. Café latte and mocha join in on the action together with orange sponge, dulce de leche and a light grating of nutmeg. Dilution expresses fleshy stone fruits together with nectarine and apple compote.
Taste: Opening on pepper-spiced toffee and soft caramel, the development heads towards mentholated oak, before levelling off with a selection of baked treats – sponge fingers, pink wafer biscuits, stollen cake and genoise sponge. Reduction delivers orange barley water and over-baked pastries (browned at the edges) alongside consistently palpable toffee influence.
Finish: Medium with crunchy toffee, perky pepper and stem ginger.
Agreeable Linkwood with creamy toffee running throughout from start to finish. Crisp and clean fruitiness bolsters the already likeable profile and dilution is worth exploring too. All in all, a neat little bundle.
Review sample provided by The Whisky Exchange