The picturesque Linkwood distillery, founded in 1821, is one of the Speyside region’s hidden gems. The Victorian buildings remain despite much updating and expansion during the 1960s and ‘70s. Swans and ducks swim on the distillery dam which provides cooling water for the condensers. Linkwood is generally archetypal of the lighter side of Speyside, and this refill hogshead is no exception. The nose is incredibly gentle offering aromas of peach, banana and melon with a little toasted oak from the cask. This subtle theme continues on the palate; with notes of fresh fruit salad and a slight citrusy tanginess creating a wonderful interplay of delicate texture. A whiff of smoke is glimpsed on the finish before waves of baking spice and oak roll in.