Linkwood 21 Year Old 1989 A.D. Rattray

A.D. Rattray bottled a 21 Year Old Linkwood in 2011, distilled in 1989. The sherry cask, number 7322, yielded no less than 522 bottles.

The nose is very herbaceous and reminds me of a wild prairie with ferns, rhododendrons and wet grasses. But also nettles. Luckily there is a lot of fruitiness in the shape of gooseberries, raisins and mirabelles. Quite a lot of spices, all fresh from the garden. A little waxy, like tiger balm. Mint and sugared lime peel keep it fresh. Honey is the last to come out to play. Very good, indeed. Adding water brings out more of the grasses and sugared lime peel.

It is wonderfully creamy and warming on the palate, with all kinds of sweet fruits. Apples and gooseberries are in the lead. A hint of brown sugar and even some nuts. The spices return. Midpalate, it becomes somewhat bitter from the oak, but never over the top nor drying. It can take water, but does not need it.

The finish is long and sweet, with the focus on the grass and plants.

This is very good stuff, mind you, with more spices than I can name, without losing itself in them. Top!

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