Linkwood 1995/2025 - 30 y.o. - 1st Fill PX Cask Finish #21 - Artist #15

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 51% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

This 30-year-old Linkwood belongs to the 15th release of the Artist series, entitled The Dark Side of the Moon. After its initial maturation, the single malt distilled in 1995 was finished in first-fill Pedro Ximénez hogshead No. 21. La Maison du Whisky bottled it in 2025 as a limited release of 339 bottles.

The release comes in a 0.7-litre bottle at 51% alcohol. It is non-chill-filtered, contains no added colouring and is presented in gift packaging.

The abstract label was created by artist Sthenjwa Luthuli. Its vivid colours stand out against the opaque black bottle and matching presentation box.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose is refined and deep. Intense malt and citrus notes mingle with iris, tiger balm, alfalfa and acacia honey. Coconut, lychee and passion fruit emerge with air, while ripe peach, concentrated dried fruit and old oak add further depth to the bouquet. Toffee and cinnamon provide sweet and spicy accents.
• Palate: The whisky is lively and silky on the palate. Ginger, gentian, pear and mirabelle plum initially unfold over a malty base, followed by candied lemon and ripe mango. Honeyed sweetness and dark plum deepen the fruity impression. The almost creamy texture carries a dense PX sweetness, balanced by restrained oak bitterness; dark chocolate and a lightly nutty note remain subtle accents.
• Finish: The long, refined and warming finish combines vanilla and tobacco with bay leaf, thyme and oregano. Raisins, dates and almonds add spicy, slightly saline sherry accents.

Distillery/Bottler:

Linkwood Distillery was founded in Speyside in 1821. Its production capacity doubled in 1971, and two further stills were added in 2013. Its single malt is especially prized by blenders and is associated with a green, grassy core character. This release also highlights a distinctly malty side.

La Maison du Whisky develops series such as Artist through decades of collaboration with Scottish bottlers. For this Linkwood, the company was responsible for the selection and bottling for the 15th Artist edition.

Facts: