Linkwood 2010 WSLu

Linkwood Distillery, founded in 1821, became a cornerstone of Diageo's Scotch whisky portfolio following the construction of its second distillery in 1971, garnering exceptional attention from its parent company. The modern facility underwent its first major renovation in 2011, closing for four months to install a new mash tun and automated distillation control systems. A second expansion phase in 2013 added two additional spirit stills and six fermentation washbacks, boosting production capacity by 60% to 5.6 million liters annually. While renovations are standard across Diageo's distillery estate, Linkwood holds particular significance. For over two centuries, its single malt has been prized by successive owners, serving as an indispensable foundation for numerous blended whiskies. Master blenders regard Linkwood's spirit as crucial for contributing complexity, body, and distinctive character to iconic blends such as Johnnie Walker and White Horse. The original 1821 distillery operated alongside the 1971 facility until 1985, utilizing traditional worm tub condensers that produced a slightly heavier, more robust spirit profile. Though the historic site was demolished in 2013, the expanded stillhouse continues production. Remnants include six dunnage warehouses dating from 1872 and a pagoda-roofed kiln. Current production features a 12.5-ton full lauter mash tun, eleven wooden washbacks, and three pairs of stills. Fermentation times range from 65-105 hours over a standard five-day work week. Annual output fluctuates between 3.6 and 5.6 million liters depending on operational schedules. Linkwood's primary official bottling is the 12-Year-Old under Diageo's Flora & Fauna series. In October 2016, a rare 37-Year-Old expression was released as part of the Rare Malts series, distilled in 1978 and bottled at 50.3% ABV.