Linlithgow 1982 SMS (Speciality Drinks Ltd)

Single malt Linlithgow, an independent Speciality Drinks Ltd bottling, a 25 year old from 1982, drawn from cask 8902 and bottled at 46%. A release of 245 bottles. Founded in 1753 on the Union Canal in West Lothian, Linlithgow was closed in the great cull of 1983. After closure the buildings became flats, the pagoda malt barn preserved and listed.

Distilled in coal fired pot stills, the barley floor malted on site, giving the waxy, mineral spirit it is remembered for. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the distillery character to the fore. Beyond twenty five years the malt grows waxy and tropical, beeswax and candied fruit over an oily base. 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 46% it is smooth and waxy. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with a mineral, oily character with sharp fruit. The texture is oily and coating, the wax threaded through. The finish runs oily, mineral and warm. This is stock from a closed Lowland legend, ever scarcer.