The ImPex Collection–the independent bottling line from importer ImPex Beverages–never fails to deliver an eclectic and delicious lineup of casks hand-selected by president and managing director Sam Filmus. The Collection’s latest series of releases, Edition #5, lives up to the rich tradition established by its predecessors.
Over the summer I had the opportunity to try the entire lineup and could not have been more impressed. I recently had the chance to revisit one of these drams, and it is my pleasure to share my thoughts with you now.
The ImpEx Collection
2008 17-year-old Linkwood
Chateau Margaux Red Wine Barrique #14547
58% ABV
257 bottles
Nose 92/100
If a whisky can emulate the joys of pulling off the road and hand-picking fruit at a berry patch, this does it. The first breath brings aromas of red raspberries, which then give way to strawberries and later their less common cousin, black raspberries. While many whiskies mellow on the nose as they age even at cask strength, this Linkwood maintains a surprisingly high degree of despite being 17 years old.
Palate 93/100
The first sip dances on the tip of the tongue before rising to coat the upper palate, immediately delivering on the promise of the nose with more berries. While the nose featured raspberries with some strawberries, the palate brings the strawberries to the forefront, mixed with some blackberries before transitioning to fruit spice and rich stewed plums. Unmistakably a red wine finish in all its notes, and what could be grander than the influence of a Bordeaux First Growth?
Finish 90/100
Again that Chateau Margaux influence comes through, as the whisky finishes with a blast of tannins mixed with creamy cocoa, first a dark chocolate before becoming progressively more milk chocolate, a finish that lasts forever. 90/100
Adding Water
The addition of a few drops of water diminishes the heat, as one would expect…but not nearly as much as most whiskies. The berries intensify, more solidly strawberry overall. On the palate, the spice comes to the forefront and the whisky tastes more solidly of plums, while the finish sees the greatest degree of change, exhibiting more vanilla and honey and even a little fresh apricot.
Overall 93/100
The Linkwood 17-year-old from the ImpEx Collection Edition #5 stands as a clear example of why this series continues to earn the attention of enthusiasts. Its balance of vivid berry character, structured red‑wine influence, and a finish that evolves with patience and water shows thoughtful cask selection and confident maturation. Sam Filmus and the ImpEx team have once again demonstrated an ability to spotlight distinctive barrels and present them with clarity and purpose. For anyone exploring this year’s releases, this Linkwood is a compelling reminder of how rewarding independent bottlings can be.
