Scotch

Scotch Whisky Review: Firkin x No Nonsense Whisky – Linkwood 2011 Double Oak Madeira Cask

This Linkwood 2011 Double Oak Madeira Cask was created by The Firkin Whisky Co. in collaboration with No Nonsense Whisky, also known as Vin Perry-French.

OVERALL RATING

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Tasting Notes

About:

Independent bottler The Firkin Whisky Co collaborated with YouTuber Vin Perry-French of No Nonsense Whisky to release this single cask Linkwood 2011. This single malt scotch was aged in a unique double-wood cask made from American ex-bourbon staves combined with charred new French oak and seasoned with Madeira wine from Portugal. Presented at an ‘ideal strength’ of 48.9% ABV, this was bottled without either chill filtration or added colour.


Appearance:
Medium amber. Thick and viscous in the glass, with pronounced legs clinging to the side.
Nose:
Autumnal toffee apples. Red plums and red winter berries. Crème brûlée with caramelised brown sugar and rich vanilla custard. A backdrop of elegant oak with a touch of wood spice – cloves, cinnamon, star anise.
Palate:
Medium to full mouthfeel. Bright and alive. Again toffee apple – rich, sweet and decadent. Figs, raisins and redcurrants macerated in brown sugar syrup. There’s a creaminess, akin to that vanilla custard from the crème brûlée nose. A citrus note, orange peel. An old leather note. Cloves, cinnamon, star anise and black pepper from the spice cupboard. Alcohol is well integrated adding to the body, without burn.
Finish:
Long and flavoursome. Red fruit laced with toffee. A nutty character together with warm, earthy, wood spices. Leaves one ready for the next sip.
Comments:
Delicious. High-quality single malt aged in a fascinating cask to give layer upon layer of flavour. I could savour this dram all night, but it likely won’t last that long.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Ed Leigh

Ed Leigh is a recognized authority on independent bottlers and artisan Scotch whisky. In 2019, he founded TopWhiskies.com, a specialist retailer dedicated to promoting these often family-run businesses and showcasing their small-batch releases. Based in London, Ed holds certifications in both wine and spirits from The Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

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