1988 Linkwood 18 Year Old Single Cask Bottling Single Malt Distilled May 1988, Bottled January 2007,1 of 336 Bottles, 50% vol The Old Malt Cask

The Old Malt Cask Linkwood Distillery Single Cask Bottling (Distilled May 1988 • Bottled Jan 2007 • 18 Years • 1 of 336 • 50%) fits squarely into the classic late‑80s Linkwood profile: elegant orchard fruit, honeyed sweetness, and a clean Speyside floral lift, with the Old Malt Cask bottlings typically showing minimal filtration and a natural, textural mouthfeel. While no public source provides notes for this exact cask, the closest verified tasting material from comparable 1988 Linkwood single‑cask releases helps anchor a faithful, evidence‑based profile.

Aromatics - Orchard fruit—pear, apple, and stewed orchard notes—are a hallmark of 1988 Linkwood, appearing prominently in independent bottlings. Honeyed sweetness and light toffee tones often emerge with age, especially from refill or lightly active casks. Floral lift—dried yellow flowers, hay, and subtle orange cake—adds refinement and delicacy. Gentle mint/eucalyptus and soft spice contribute freshness and complexity. These aromatics align with the broader Linkwood distillery profile of fresh fruits, honey, and floral elegance.

Palate & Structure - Fresh, high-toned fruit—pear, apple, and light citrus—supported by soft honey and vanilla. Clean, refined texture, typical of Old Malt Cask’s 50% bottling strength, offering both clarity and weight. Sweet spice and light resinous oak add depth without overshadowing the fruit. A gentle minty/herbal edge keeps the palate lively. Medium-bodied, with a silky, elegant progression rather than a heavy sherry-driven style. Comparable 1988 Linkwood bottlings are praised for freshness, complexity, and flawless balance, which supports this interpretation.

Finish - Long, clean, and subtly sweet, carried by orchard fruit, honey, and soft spice. Light oak resin, dried flowers, and mint linger gracefully. The finish tends to be refined rather than powerful—very much in keeping with Linkwood’s elegant Speyside character.

Late‑80s Linkwood casks are known for purity, floral lift, and honeyed fruit, with refill casks allowing the distillate to shine.

Old Malt Cask releases are bottled at 50%, unchillfiltered, and typically cask‑representative, preserving texture and aromatic nuance.

This 18‑year-old bottling sits stylistically between youthful orchard‑fruit brightness and mature floral complexity.