1991 Gordon & Macphail Private Collection Linkwood 20 Year Old Cote Rotie Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Linkwood is another of Diageo's quiet distilleries that produces malt whiskies for blending, predominantly for the Bell's & Haig labels and has only ever been bottled as a single malt by independent bottlers. This one from the reputable Gordon & Macphail Company is limited to 1900 bottles.

Other reviews... This 20 year old Speyside whisky spends 30 long months in ex-Cote Rotie wine barrels. I’ve had mixed luck with Rhone Valley wine barrel finishes, but this one hits on all cylinders. Rich and smooth, velvety almost, it starts with honey, vanilla, and nougat notes, then brings on lots of eastern spices — cinnamon, cloves, and cayenne pepper. Citrus oil fades in and out, along with some malty grain notes at the end. Complex but beautifully balanced and a bargain for a 20 year old malt. 45% Alc./Vol. Rating: A grade. THE DRINKHACKER, December 9, 2012, Christopher Null.size>

Nose?: A strong sour note. Cider apples, cider cellar. Antique shop. Opening on sweeter notes. Caramel, barley sugar. A touch of burnt wood. Palate: ?Dry and crisp. The oak grips the palate. Bittersweet apples, chestnut purée. Finish: ?Dry but the bitterness has gone. A touch of sandalwood in the back. Comments: ?An interesting profile. As the wood takes the lead but gives in to the fruit in the end. Not for the sweet tooth. Rating 8/10 - Martin Nouet, www.whiskymag.comsize>