Linkwood single malt Scotch whisky is a Speyside distillery celebrated for its fragrant, floral style and silky texture. Located on the outskirts of Elgin, Moray, Linkwood has been producing whisky since 1821, making it one of the region’s older distilleries. Founded by Peter Brown, it has remained a quietly influential name in Scotch, prized by blenders for its elegance and complexity, and increasingly sought after by single malt enthusiasts who appreciate its refined character.
For most of its history, Linkwood has been dedicated to supplying malt whisky for blends, particularly Johnnie Walker and other Diageo-owned brands. As a result, official single malt bottlings have been rare, with much of the distillery’s presence in the single malt market coming through independent bottlers. This relative scarcity has helped give Linkwood something of a cult following.
The distillery draws its water from springs in the nearby Millbuies Loch, and production uses unpeated malted barley to allow the spirit’s delicate, fruity flavours to shine. A key to Linkwood’s style is the use of large, pear-shaped copper pot stills with long, gently sloping lyne arms, which promote significant copper contact during distillation. This results in a light yet full-flavoured spirit with a smooth, almost creamy mouthfeel.
Another factor in Linkwood’s profile is its long fermentation times, which encourage the development of floral and fruity esters. The new make spirit is typically matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels to preserve its bright, orchard fruit character, although sherry casks are sometimes used to add richer layers of flavour.
Official bottlings from the distillery have included the Linkwood 12 Year Old in Diageo’s Flora & Fauna series, a benchmark example of the house style, with honeyed sweetness, fresh apple, and floral notes, as well as occasional older releases in the Rare Malts Selection and Special Releases collections.
Independent bottlings from producers such as Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory Vintage, and Douglas Laing showcase Linkwood in a variety of cask types and ages. Bourbon cask expressions tend to highlight the distillery’s pure, orchard-fruit-and-vanilla profile, while sherry cask maturations bring out notes of dried fruit, nutmeg, and polished oak. Well-aged Linkwood from the 1970s and 1980s is especially prized for its waxy texture, tropical fruit depth, and remarkable complexity.
Flavour-wise, Linkwood is typically medium-bodied, with aromas of pear, apple blossom, and honey, often accompanied by light grassy notes and a touch of almond. On the palate, it offers sweet malt, fresh fruit, vanilla cream, and gentle spice, all carried on a smooth texture. The finish is clean and elegant, with lingering floral sweetness.
Our Linkwood Single Malt Scotch Whisky selection includes the refined Flora & Fauna bottling, rare older vintages, and a range of independent releases that showcase the breadth of the distillery’s character. Whether you’re exploring Speyside malts for the first time or looking for a subtle, sophisticated whisky to enjoy neat, Linkwood offers a beautifully balanced dram that exemplifies the region’s elegance.
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