Linkwood 12 Year (2008), Scotch Universe Lunar Crater: Humboldt
Whisky: Linkwood 12 Year (2008), Scotch Universe Lunar Crater: Humboldt
Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside
ABV: 56.9%
Cask: First Fill Ruby Port Wine Barrique
Age: 12 Years (Distilled 2008, Bottled 2020)
Nose: Ripe fruit, berries, fruit syrups, cinnamon, pepper, blackberry jam, hints of mint and basil.
Palate: Medium-bodied, syrupy, jammy fruits, dried stone fruit; hints of spice, orange rind, chocolate, and herbs.
Finish: Medium-length with herbal spice, fruit, and hints of leather.
Score: 5+ish
Mental Image: Bear Cub’s Blackberry Preserve Party
Narrative & Notes: The aroma was thick with ripe fruit and summer berries that occasionally veered toward a sweet condensed fruity syrup for pancakes or shave-ice. A subtle spice lingered behind the fruit with cinnamon, black pepper, and occasional hints of licorice. Blackberry jam stood out among fruity aromas with hints of mint and basil. The palate was medium-bodied with loads of dried figs, jammy cassis, and blackberries with herbal notions of basil between background notes of orange rind, chocolate syrup, star anise, and peppercorn. Fruit continued from back to front and lingered on a medium-length finish with additional herbal spice, more dried than before, with hints of leather.
There was not much to this dram; certainly nothing distinctive and little beyond the cask's influence. I would never have known it was Linkwood had I not been told. The port barrique dominated the flavor profile with waves of ripe fruits, and I know that appeals to some, but if I want something that tastes this close to port, I would instead drink port. So for those who love these cask-heavy beasts, I leave them to you. You do not need to worry about competition from me.
Overall, a simple affair, but there was nothing inherently off about the whisky, so I have no real complaints other than that it felt a bit simple and did not suit my tastes. I love the aesthetic of Scotch Universe and have generally been pleased with their bottles.
Image Credit: Whisky.de
