With the previous releases of the local SMWS chapter I ordered a sample of all new bottlings, including this Linkwood. I believe Linkwood is Tom’s favorite distillery and I think I understand why. There are many great bottlings and the ‘default’ style of the place shows some true character. Of course, there are some hits and misses, but the average is pretty high.
This particular bottle has matured in a Refill Bourbon Hogshead.
Nose:
Malty and rather crisp, in a weird way. Old apple, stale and corky. After about 15 minutes it starts to show more character with straw and a bit of a farm yard scent.
Taste:
It really builds up in strength. The first though was that it didn’t do much, but that changed after a few seconds of swimming. Soft and fruity with dried apples. Again a few hints of straw and such.
Finish:
Not unexpected, but rather nice. Soft and creamy with a hint of spiciness. Apple pie made from apples that were about to go bad.
This whisky has a real old fashioned feel to it, and I like that. Its not a spectacular dram, but its quite good. At first I was a bit mislead by the old musty apple scent, but it managed to straighten me out pretty well.
SMWS 39.78, Welcome Wake-up Call, Linkwood, 27 years old, October 1982 – 2010, 55.1%. Used to cost €87, but its sold out.
Nose: 6
Taste: 7
Finish: 7
Overal experience: 7
Price/quality: 0
Total: 27 points
Malt Fascination 
Yes, Linkwood is my favourite distillery indeed, after my first bottle from an independent bottler was a ‘Linkwood Millenium 2000’ by Signatory. A fabulous sherried Linkwood and after 11 years I recently made it to pick up another bottle of it.
Now I’ve got over 30 bottlings of Linkwood in my collection.
Like you say, not all bottlings are great, but there are some real good ones going around.
It’s just a matter of trying them all… 😉
The Linkwood distillery is being heavily refurbished now, but the beautiful old part of the distillery will be as it ever was…
Sjoerd, do you have something left, let’s say 2 or 3cl?
Nope, I ordered 2cl of this one to begin with, so after one taste it was gone.
Oh… I see this is the 2011 release… I’m looking for 39.85 1982/2012
Nope nr 2. Didn’t order that one, as far as I can see on my blog. It might still be available in the smws.nl shop.