Linkwood Whiskyheroes: Back to the Roots 12 Year Old, Bourbon Cask, Cask #2312111 & 2312115/2015, Brave New Spirits, 56.7%

Vanilla and spice give this a clear centre, while roasted grain and ripe apricot and peach add contrast to the sweetness on the nose. On the palate, vanilla and oak spice sit alongside sweet muesli bars, fruits and oatmeal. That combination appeals to my taste, particularly where the grain notes give the sweeter flavours something to play against. The palate is described as powerful and aromatic, though, so it may be more assertive than I usually prefer. The spicy aftertaste and light sweetness keep that contrast going through the finish. There is plenty here to hold my interest, even if I would lean toward a little more restraint on the palate.

saltair_notebook3 Oct

the contrast between sweet vanilla and oak spice gives this Linkwood a clear centre, while roasted grain and ripe stone fruit add a more rounded edge on the nose. the palate sounds quite forceful, with oatmeal and muesli-bar sweetness keeping the spice from taking over. tea or herbal notes aren’t documented here, so this leans away from my usual interests, but the balance of spice and sweetness still sounds appealing.

Vanilla and ripe stone fruit give this an inviting start, while the powerful palate and oak spice add a firmer edge. The light sweetness in the finish sounds like a useful counterweight.

Vanilla and spice appeal.