Linkwood 12 Years Old 100 Proof Edition #68 is a Speyside single malt that pairs Linkwood’s trademark elegance with the extra drive and depth that comes from being bottled at full 100 proof. Linkwood is often associated with a clean, fruity and gently floral house style, and in this release that natural brightness is amplified by both the higher strength and a sherry-led maturation, creating a whisky that feels richer and more structured while staying balanced and composed.
Bottled at 57.1% ABV, the whisky delivers a firm, mouth-coating texture and a more concentrated flavour profile than typical lower-strength expressions. Maturation in Oloroso sherry butts—using a combination of 1st fill and 2nd fill casks—adds layered complexity: dried fruits, soft nuttiness and a deeper toffee-like warmth, while still allowing Linkwood’s orchard-fruit character to remain front and centre. The result is confidently sherried but not heavy—more glowing and nuanced than sticky-sweet.
On the nose you can expect an inviting mix of sultanas and raisins, baked apple and polished oak, with the Oloroso influence bringing a gentle nutty richness. The palate often opens with warm orchard fruit—apple and pear leaning toward stewed fruit—before moving into toffee, subtle spice and sherry-driven dried fruit. The higher strength gives length and clarity rather than aggression, especially with a little time in the glass.
The finish is long and warming, carrying baked fruit, dried fruit and lingering sherry glow with a restrained oak grip. Enjoy it neat for maximum intensity, then add a few drops of water to open the fruit and shift the sherry tones toward nuttier, caramel-like notes. It pairs beautifully with dark chocolate (especially with nuts), aged cheeses, or a moderately sweet apple-based dessert.
