Linkwood 18 Year Old 1997 Jack Wiebers

Jack Wiebers often bottles single casks with strange names and artsy labels. This one falls in both categories, I’d say. But of course the contents of the bottle is what matters and in this case it’s an 18 Year Old Linkwood from 1997 at cask strength.

Wow! When I put my nose in the glass for the first time, I’m actually reminded of grain whisky. Pencil shavings, hay, heather, corn… but after a few moments of breathing it opens op and offers green apples, gooseberries, white berries, fruit tea and even a hint of green banana. Very fruity, softly spicy from the alcohol – good!

Nicely oily, almost waxy, on the palate. And despite the high ABV, this arrives very easily. Immediately very sweet and fruity – European and then mostly white fruit – with a lovely sour note as if from agrum candy. Or acid candy as they say in Bonnie Scotland. Some quinine, honey and the juice of a twig. A veritable summer dram.

Nicely long, fruity, somewhat prickly finish. Makes me all fuzzy warm inside.

Great Linkwood. The kind of malt that gives many a blend it’s character. It’s a good thing this one did not disappear that way. Thx, Benny!

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