1997 Douglas Laing & Co. Old Particular Single Cask Linkwood 20 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

A great value dram with age.... Linkwood is another of Diageo's quiet distilleries that produces malt whiskies for blending, predominantly for the Bell's & Haig labels. Prized for its combination of texture and delicacy, apart from the odd Diageo release, it's bottled as a single malt by independents only. We've tasted many indie expressions which are typically layered with chocolate and orchard fruits (think pear / apple).

Tasting note: Classic almost floral aromas of ripe nashi pear, dried grass and a little honey adding a sweet undercurrent. Thick and creamy while being surprisingly vibrant, suggesting it could easily handle another twenty years; Pear, vanilla and cocoa flavours culminate in a crisp, apply, grassy finish. There's a decent lick of spice too. A Linkwood that's just settling into its skin. 51.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. 326 bottles.

Notes from the bottler... Nose: Peppery with herbal sweetness - sugared almonds and ripe pears. Palate: Oily and thick with honey, nutmeg and caramelised banana. Finish: long barley sweetness plus lemon zest and charred oak.