Linlithgow 1982 McC (Mackillop’s Choice)

This is a Linlithgow single malt, chosen and bottled by Mackillop's Choice matured to 29 year old from 1982, drawn from cask 2206 and bottled at 57.3%. The lost Lowland distillery Linlithgow, founded in 1753 on the Union Canal in West Lothian, was closed in the great cull of 1983. The Union Canal carried its casks to market through the whisky boom years.

Distilled in coal fired pot stills, the barley floor malted on site, giving the waxy, mineral spirit it is remembered for. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, the classic wood for these casks. Long ageing brings an oily depth, tropical fruit and a mellow, waxy character. The waxy, oily make carries cask flavour while holding its own character. St Magdalene took its name from a convent and leper hospital that once stood on the site. The Union Canal ran past the distillery, carrying its casks through the whisky boom years.

At a full 57.3% it is intense yet elegant. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with sharp white fruit and a grassy wax. The mouthfeel is oily, the fruit carried on a waxy body. A gently oily finish lingers warm. This is prized closed era stock from a true individual of Scotch.