Linkwood 26 Year Old Bladnoch Forum

The bourbon hogshead 1625 was filled on 15th March 1984 and exactly 26 years later – on 15th March 2010 – was bottled for the Bladnoch Forum members. This Linkwood is at a respectable age of 26 years and the cask yielded 264 bottles.

Again the typical floral charachter of Linkwood shines through on the nose – primarily violets – but this is definitely from another caliber than the 12 Year Old I just tried (but that shouldn’t surprise, of course). I’m reminded of a dusty attic and get a lot of honey as well. You can actually smell the wood. Despite the ABV of 53,2%, the liquid remains soft and accessible. Adding a few drops of water (don’t overdo it!) brings out the fruitiness and wipes away the dust.

It’s quite different on the palate. The alcohol warms the mouth and gullet. Very creamy. Quite some tannins from the wood, again, but also wonderful fruity notes. Tropical fruits, dipped in the same honey from the nose. The whole is nicely spiced. This is good! Water keeps it creamy, but makes it even sweeter. It makes the fruit stand out with melon at the top.

The finish is drying, fruity and spicy. With water it becomes softer, but lasts longer too!

I found this to be a very pleasant dram, that can be enjoyed both in winter as in summer.

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