Linkwood distillery

Introduction to Linkwood

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Linkwood is a renowned Speyside distillery located in the heart of Scotland’s most prolific whisky-producing region. Established in the beautiful countryside near Elgin, Linkwood has built a reputation for producing exceptionally elegant and refined single malt whiskies that showcase the lighter, fruitier characteristics the Speyside region is famous for.

The distillery combines time-honored traditions with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in spirits that are both complex and approachable. Surrounded by the lush Scottish countryside, Linkwood’s environment plays a crucial role in shaping its distinctive character.

Why we have a soft spot for Linkwood

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that maintain their individuality despite changing industry trends. Linkwood stands out for its unwavering commitment to quality and consistency, producing whisky that connoisseurs often describe as “precise” and “pure.”

What truly sets Linkwood apart is its remarkable ability to create whiskies with exceptional clarity of flavor and a distinctive grassy-floral character that has become its signature style. This uniqueness makes Linkwood a cherished addition to any enthusiast’s collection.

The History Behind Linkwood

Origin and development

Linkwood Distillery was founded in 1821 by Peter Brown, a farmer who recognized the potential of the area’s pure water sources and fertile barley fields. The distillery began operations in 1825, initially as a small farm distillery before gradually expanding its production capacity over the decades.

After Peter Brown’s death in 1868, his son William took over the distillery and completely rebuilt it in 1872, establishing much of the foundation for what we know as Linkwood today. The distillery changed hands several times throughout the 20th century and is now owned by Diageo, though it maintains its distinctive character and production methods.

The people behind

Linkwood’s enduring quality can be attributed to generations of dedicated distillers who have maintained its exacting standards. One of the most notable figures in Linkwood’s history was Roderick Mackenzie, who managed the distillery for nearly 30 years from 1945.

Mackenzie was famously meticulous, even forbidding the removal of cobwebs from the distillery rafters because he believed they contributed to the consistency of the whisky. This level of attention to detail and respect for tradition continues to influence production at Linkwood today.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Linkwood begins with carefully selected Scottish barley, which undergoes traditional malting processes. The distillery employs a relatively long fermentation period of around 55-75 hours, which contributes to the development of Linkwood’s fruity esters and complex flavor compounds.

Distillation takes place in Linkwood’s tall copper pot stills, whose unique shapes help to create a light, refined spirit. The distillery actually houses two separate stillhouses – the original facility and a newer addition built in 1971 – each with its own distinctive character but working in harmony to produce the classic Linkwood profile.

Maturation and aging

Linkwood’s spirit is typically matured in a combination of American oak ex-bourbon barrels and European oak ex-sherry casks. This dual approach to maturation allows the whisky to develop both vanilla and honey notes from the bourbon casks, while the sherry influence adds deeper dried fruit and spice dimensions.

The cool, consistent climate of Speyside provides ideal conditions for long, steady maturation, allowing Linkwood whiskies to develop remarkable complexity and refinement over time. Many of the distillery’s most celebrated expressions are aged for 12 years or more, showcasing the spirit’s exceptional aging potential.

Selected Products from Linkwood

Linkwood 12 Year Old – An introduction to the house style

This core expression perfectly captures Linkwood’s elegant house style. With notes of fresh green apple, delicate flowers, honey, and gentle spice, it offers a beautifully balanced introduction to the distillery’s character. The light, silky mouthfeel and clean finish make it an excellent entry point for those discovering Linkwood for the first time.

Linkwood Flora & Fauna 12 Year Old – A collector’s favorite

Part of Diageo’s celebrated Flora & Fauna series, this expression has developed a cult following among whisky enthusiasts. Expect a richer profile with orchard fruits, vanilla custard, and subtle oak spice, wrapped in Linkwood’s characteristic floral elegance. The distinctive label featuring a red squirrel has made this bottle both a delicious dram and a collector’s item.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

While Linkwood has traditionally been a working distillery with limited public access, special tours can sometimes be arranged for dedicated enthusiasts. These rare opportunities provide a fascinating glimpse into a distillery that produces one of Scotland’s most respected malts yet remains somewhat mysterious to the general public.

For those unable to visit in person, the whisky itself serves as the best ambassador for Linkwood’s craftsmanship and heritage – each glass offering a taste of this historic Speyside gem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Linkwood?

Linkwood is a Speyside single malt whisky distillery established in 1821 near Elgin, Scotland. It produces whisky with a focus on elegant, refined flavor profiles characterized by distinctive floral and fruity notes. Their approach combines traditional Scottish distilling methods with meticulous attention to detail to create whiskies of exceptional clarity and balance.

Where is Linkwood located?

The distillery is located just south of Elgin in Moray, Scotland, in the heart of the Speyside whisky region. The surrounding countryside, with its pure water sources and ideal climate for whisky maturation, contributes significantly to the character of Linkwood’s expressions.

What characterizes Linkwood whisky?

Linkwood is especially known for producing whiskies with exceptional clarity and purity of flavor. Key characteristics include delicate floral notes, fresh orchard fruits, sweet malt, and a distinctive grassy undertone. The mouthfeel is typically light and silky, with a clean, refined finish that whisky enthusiasts prize for its elegance and subtlety.

Where can I buy whisky from Linkwood?

You can find selected bottles from Linkwood at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate both official distillery releases and independent bottlings, giving you access to both the classic expressions and rare single casks that showcase different dimensions of this remarkable distillery’s character.