Introduction I had a chance recently to sit down with four single malts bottled by The Whisky Agency – all different in profile, region, and cask type, which made tasting them side by side a genuinely interesting experience. The lineup featured a Glen Moray 2007, Linkwood 2010, a Rhinns Islay malt distilled in 2015, and a Highland whisky from 1995 with no distillery listed. I didn’t go in with preconceived notions, just curiosity – especially since these were all matured in different types of sherry casks. Here's what I found. Nose Starting with the Glen Moray 2007: the Oloroso sherry cask influence came through quite clearly. I got a combination of dried raisins, almonds, and something close to faint tobacco. Pleasant, though not especially bold. The Linkwood 2010 offered cleaner and slightly more acidic aromas, leaning into green apples, fresh floral notes, and lemon peel. There was also a subtle trace of dry white wine, which I assume came from the Fino cask aging. The Rhinns 2015 (from Islay) made an immediate peat-forward impression. Smoking embers, iodine, and cold ashes came up first, then a faint sweetness – possibly from the sherry – crept in quietly at the back. The Secret Highland 1995 presented itself with a richer and older nose. Toffee, dried fig, wood polish, and orange zest – clearly from extended time in an Oloroso cask. Complex and well-layered. Palate Glen Moray kept things gentle with soft fruits and spice. I tasted baked apple, cinnamon, and a bit of milk chocolate. The mouthfeel was medium-bodied, nicely rounded, though it didn't stretch far in terms of depth. Linkwood’s palate was more linear – lemon curd, raw barley, and mineral notes. It felt lean but very clean, with a dry but crisp delivery. Rhinns was punchier. Smoky bacon fat, coastal saltiness, and bitter dark chocolate were most apparent. It had a youthful sharpness that gave it energy, but that also meant the peat dominated most of the way through. The Secret Highland malt was luxurious by comparison – stewed plums, walnut skin, molasses, and understated oak. There was a slight herbal bitterness that added to the rustic profile, making it the most substantial sip out of the four. Finish The Glen Moray left a lingering sweetness, largely oak and soft sherry spice, but it faded rather quickly. Linkwood’s finish was short and dry – lots of echoes of dry apple skins and chalk. Rhinns stuck around longer, with more peat reasserting itself, along with burnt orange and cracked black pepper. The Highland whisky had the longest finish – quite dense and lingering, with coffee grounds, dark fruit residue, and leathery tannin. It concluded with a warming fade that I really appreciated. Price and Value As with many indie bottlings, assessing value depends heavily on personal taste and expectations. Glen Moray and Linkwood were solid entries – good for casual sipping or neat exploration. They offer good value if you're into light sherry influence and clean spirit profiles. The Rhinns expression is the kind of thing you buy if you're a fan of smoky, young Islay malts with a sherry twist. Not exactly a daily dram, but distinct in style. The Secret Highland (1995) was clearly a notch above in terms of maturity and complexity. While undoubtedly pricier, I felt its quality justifies the step in cost for those seeking a more reflective pour. Background The Whisky Agency is known for curating casks across Scottish regions, often highlighting individual characteristics without heavy filtering or added colouring. These bottlings were part of various releases that focused on sherry-matured whisky, ranging from fresh, young spirits to more mature malts. Glen Moray is based in Elgin and typically leans into lighter Speyside styles – more about fruit than fat. More on their core range can be found at the Glen Moray Distillery. Linkwood is another Speyside distillery, usually known for elegant, grassy notes, and responds quite well to gentle wood management. "Rhinns" often points towards young peated Islay malt, not always officially branded but think distilleries like Caol Ila or Bruichladdich on the west side. The Secret Highland (1995) is unnamed, but based on taste and region, I'd guess Clynelish – though that’s never confirmed with these kinds of bottlings. Final Notes Out of the lineup, would I go back for one of these bottles? The Secret Highland easily stands out for repeat visits – it felt the most complete and rewarding. For someone just getting into whisky, I’d probably steer them toward the Glen Moray or Linkwood. Both are accessible and soft-edged, without overwhelming peat or heavy complexities. If you're wondering about when these whiskies make sense to drink, I’d save the Highland for quiet, end-of-evening moments. The Islay malt would do well in colder weather or among peat enthusiasts, maybe even with a bit of water to unlock some depth. And how do these compare to distillery core expressions? They're more variable, of course, but they offer the chance to taste sides of the distillery that official releases sometimes dial back – especially when it comes to cask influence or strength.
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Independent Bottlings: Glen Moray, Linkwood & More Reviewed
I tasted four single malts from The Whisky Agency: Glen Moray, Linkwood, Rhinns (Islay), and a Secret Highland. Each offered something different and worth noting.