Linkwood 1983 Flora and Fauna Cask Strength

Following on from the successful introduction of the Classic Malts range in 1988 (at the time only six expressions), Diageo sought to build on this by releasing a further 22 single malts in 1991. These became affectionately known as the Flora & Fauna series, a term coined by whisky writer, Michael Jackson, in reference to their labels, and the range showcased the lesser-seen distilleries from the extensive Diageo portfolio at the time. Despite four further additions in 2001, only a handful of these are still permanent distillery bottlings, making this a highly collectible series.

One of the nine Flora and Fauna releases to have been bottled at cask strength, this Linkwood was distilled in 1983 and bottled in 1997.

Official bottlings of Linkwood are scarce. Its malt has always been considered a key component of many popular blends, such as Johnnie Walker and White Horse, with much of its output reserved for these as a result. In the 1990s it was short-listed for Diageo's Classic Malts series, but the company eventually opted for Cragganmore instead, deferring to the standard 12 year old Flora & Fauna as the only permanent official bottling.

These cask strength examples are an increasingly rare and sought after limited release.