Linkwood 12 (Murray McDavid) - Whisky Review

Time for another dram!

A limited release Linkwood 12 finished in Tawny Port and Oloroso Casks.

A bit about

Linkwood Distillery has been producing whisky in the Speyside region of Scotland since 1821.

The finishing casks in which the whisky spent 5 years were sourced from Spain (Oloroso casks) and Portugal (Tawny Port casks).

Part of Murray McDavid's Benchmark range, this Single Malt Scotch Whisky was distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2025. It has 54.4% ABV, it is non-chill-filtered and has a vibrant natural colour.

This limited release Linkwood 12, aged in ex-bourbon hogshead and finished in Oloroso and Tawny Port Casks, had 1232 bottles available.

Time to try it!

Nose: Ripe blackberries and blackcurrants with dark chocolate and fresh orange slice

Palate: Rich, with dark forest fruit, more dark chocolate, oak spice and a delicate sweetness.

Finish: Long, with a touch of bitter almonds and lingering fruitiness - both the Oloroso and Tawny Port Casks influenced this whisky in the best possible way

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In Conclusion

For me, this one is an absolutely delightful dram with layers and layers of delicious fruit, combined with gentle oak spice, dark chocolate and a touch of orange. Highly enjoyable neat or with a drop or two of water, it's a rich, well-rounded whisky, great for sipping, no matter the weather

Priced at around £70 on most UK websites, I think it's a gorgeous whisky to sample.

As always, please drink responsibly.

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I hope life is treating you well.

Take care