Whisky: Linkwood 22 Year (1997), Signatory Vintage Cask 7569

Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside

ABV: 57.5%

Cask: Hogshead

Age: 22 Years (Distilled 30 June 1997, Bottled 5 June 2020)

Nose: French vanilla and orchard fruits— apples, slivered almonds, vanilla beans, hazelnut; plenty of ingredients for sugary confectionary creations; apple cider donuts perhaps? Wooden antiques with hints of fresh florals in the background, a bit like an old lace doily; a touch spirited at times.

Palate: Medium-bodied, oily, orchard fruits and French vanilla cream soda; peppery and spirited, it felt younger then twenty-two years; musty and herbal in the background with tobacco and old tea leaves; water brought out more fruit, acidic pineapple and tinned guavas; wooden antiques and linens throughout.

Finish: Long and lingering, drying, pepper and apple slices.

Score: 6 (77)

Mental Image: Haunted Sleepover at the Cider Mill

Narrative & Notes: I fear my expectations for this malt might have left me more negative on it than I would otherwise be There were plenty of classic Linkwood orchard fruits and vanilla upfront with herbs and antiques in the background. The aroma and palate were closely aligned, though there were more malty pastries on the nose and a touch of cream on the palate. However, the whisky felt younger than twenty-two years, as if the oak had very little to give; yet, it was also a bit tannic at the end, like eating a bunch of apple skins. On the positive side, it had an excellent, oily, almost syrupy, mouthfeel, and a beautifully long finish— even if I found it a touch drying.

Overall, the whisky was fine— good, but lacking anything to carry it beyond its shortcomings.  A few drops of water helped tame some of the spirited heat and the cracked pepper and brought out more acidic tropical fruits.