Tri Carragh Linkwood 2010 12 Year Old 51.5% ABV

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep umber, cream sherry. First-fill American oak cask? Excellent beading, good legs – both indicating texture.

Aroma: A mild nose-feel, nose drying with light prickle. A shy nose which takes time to open, the top notes start faintly herbal and mentholic (spearmint?), then develop towards caramel toffee (even chocolate coated toffee). A little water introduces a spicy note and also, for me, a fleeting suggestion of Turkish Delight!

Taste: A smooth texture and a taste which interprets the aroma in every particular: lightly tannic overall, but with a sweetish start, some spice in the medium-length finish and a mouth-cooling after taste.

Comment: An unusual example of Linkwood, which is usually matured in refill American oak to preserve a ‘green-grassy’ spirit character. This cask has filled out and developed the flavour in an interesting way.