Linkwood 1973 (TWE 10th Anniversary)

Nose: Hugely fruity and very lively at first nosing with light mango, banana, pineapple and juicy orange. Red apple pushes through the tropicals and vanilla sits alongside the whole quite wonderfully. Slightly waxy polished wood with some hints of liquorice and fresh tobacco add complexity and balance. Water brings a touch of under ripe papaya and ginger while generally lifting the whole profile.

Taste: The attack is at once full and yet delicate, the ginger and a light dusting of nutmeg to start but quickly followed by the fruit and vanilla. Considerably less lively and youthful than the nose but still lovely with spiced mango, orange and papaya, oak polish and amazingly restrained tannins follow.

Feel: Full and viscous yet silky and not at all cloying.

Finish: Medium/ long. Noticeable oak now but still remarkably discreet for such an age, the fruit and spices continue unabated.

An exemplary Linkwood without doubt, twinning a simply fabulous nose with enviable quality on the palette also. Highly recommended although the 1972 Clynelish from the same series is perhaps a couple of points higher for me.

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