1989 Linkwood, bottled 2002 The Scotch Embassy Single Cask Oloroso Sherry Cask

43%

The 1989 Linkwood Single Cask, bottled in 2002 at 43% ABV from an Oloroso sherry cask, is a quietly elegant Speyside malt that showcases Linkwood’s floral, waxy character wrapped in the richness of mature sherry wood. While not a cask strength bruiser, this bottling is all about finesse and integration—where distillate and cask speak in harmony.

Here’s a speculative composite profile based on similar-era Linkwoods and Oloroso cask maturation:

Nose :- Dried fruits and polished wood: Raisins, fig, and old mahogany. Floral lift: Rose petals, orange blossom, and heather honey. Waxy depth: Beeswax, linseed oil, and faint candle smoke. Sherry elegance: Walnut, cocoa powder, and a touch of rancio

Palate :- Silky texture: Medium-bodied with a gentle oiliness. Fruit-forward: Stewed plums, cherry compote, and blood orange Spice and structure: Clove, cinnamon, and toasted almond. Subtle bitterness: Black tea, grapefruit peel, and dry oak

Finish :- Medium length: Lingering notes of spice, wax, and dried fruit. Balanced fade: No harsh tannins—just a soft, drying warmth

Overall Impression

This bottling likely leans toward refined sherry influence, with the lower ABV allowing the distillate’s floral and waxy notes to shine through. It’s a contemplative dram—less about power, more about poise.