Linkwood 11 Year Old 2006 (58.7%) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

This is the second from six samples I'll be reviewing that were kindly sent to me by @wierdo. This, I believe, is from a single bourbon cask.

I was warned, rightly so, that this needs water and it will take a lot; although it has definitely softened since my last pour. I've added 1/4 of a teaspoon to about 20ml.

Taste - Light yet powerful nose. Sweet and grassy, with a big hit of sugared almonds. White fruits and fruity fudge (rum and raisin or am I going crazy?). This is very unusual but hugely enticing. I’ll add icing sugar as well while I’m at it.

Taste - More sugar and marzipan with a little glazed fruit (nectarine?) note. Hints of white wine. Not overly complex but crisp and everything is well defined. Pleasing oily mouthfeel and malty.

Finish - Sweet and sugary with some lovely velvety soft oak notes. Medium length.

A ‘summer’ whisky for sure (if that really means anything!?). I really like the crispness of this and the sweetness really works here. I get the impression that the distillate is well suited to bourbon cask maturation. I'm in a 'sweet mood', and perhaps a generous one re. my scoring; but I feel that the mark is deserved for its obvious quality and quirkiness.

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