Elegance and a lot of restraint in this superb 25-year-old version of Linkwood. Accustomed to the first-fill sherry butt editions, full of prunes and rancio, this bottling breaks away from the classic releases by Gordon & MacPhail. Less sherry influence, and the distillery’s character shines through: a lot of zesty and floral freshness, heady. Red fruits, blackcurrants, and cherries with background notes of malted barley and pastry on shortbread. Coffee, honey, and finally, some rancio notes emerge with the “cherry on top,” a hint of passion fruit. Truly a masterpiece!