Linlithgow Linlithgow St Magdalene 30 Years Old Distilled: 1973 Bottled: 2004 1 Of 1500 Bottles 59.6% 1973

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (92)

I case you’re a novice (but do novices read WF?) Linlithgow and St. Magdalene are the same distillery. This old official version came from refill American oak casks.

Colour: pale amber.

Nose: a bold, jammy attack on the nose, mostly on citrons and lemons, the malt getting then even fruitier, maybe more in classic Lowland style than other St. Magdalenes. Still there are fine notes of linseed oil, maybe olive oil, ashes… There’s also an excellent spiciness (hints of cloves and nutmeg). Much more drinkable ‘just like that’ than expected.

Mouth: more or less in the same vein as on the nose, with lemon marmalade and a beautiful oakiness (perfect ‘oaky balance’ here at 30yo). Long, rather dry finish, quite sensual I must say. More than other versions in any case. Love it, 92 points.