Linkwood – 9 Year Old 2012/2022 Oloroso Cask Benchmark (70cl, 46%)

This is a 9-year-old Linkwood from Speyside, bottled by Murray McDavid as part of its Benchmark series. It was distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2022. The whisky first matured in bourbon hogsheads, then spent three years in first-fill Oloroso sherry hogsheads from Jerez. It was bottled at 46% ABV, without chill-filtering or added colour, and is limited to 1,503 bottles drawn from four casks. On the nose there is rich fruit with creamy mocha and vanilla. The palate brings praline, honeyed malt and sweet spice, and the oily finish leaves dark chocolate and gentle oak.