1983 Linkwood, bottled 1997 Flora & Flora Cask Strength 59.8% vol

The 1983 Linkwood Flora & Fauna Cask Strength, bottled in 1997 at a formidable 59.8% ABV, is a rare and revered Speyside single malt. Part of Diageo’s limited Flora & Fauna Cask Strength series, this 14-year-old bottling showcases Linkwood’s elegant spirit in its most unadulterated form—bold, waxy, and deeply aromatic.

Here’s a composite tasting profile based on enthusiast reviews and archival impressions:

Nose :- Rich orchard fruits: Pear, apple compote, and dried apricot. Waxy and floral: Beeswax, rosewater, and heather honey. Spice and depth: Cinnamon bark, nutmeg, and a touch of sandalwood. Subtle rancio: Hints of old leather, linseed oil, and dusty citrus peel

Palate :- Full-bodied and oily: Mouth-coating texture with a slow spice bloom. Fruit-forward: Stewed peaches, orange marmalade, and fig. Elegant bitterness: Herbal tea, grapefruit pith, and dry oak. Complex layering: Vanilla pod, toasted almond, and faint smoke

Finish :- Long and warming: Peppery spice, waxy citrus, and aged wood. Drying yet balanced: Lingering floral and resinous notes

Overall Impression

This Linkwood is a collector’s dram—a study in restrained power and Speyside finesse. The high ABV is surprisingly well-integrated, offering depth without overwhelming heat. It’s a whisky that rewards slow sipping and opens beautifully with a few drops of water, revealing its floral and waxy heart.