Linkwood 12yo Masters of Magic collection, "Do the Spirits come back?"

As you know, I've acquired several single malts from "High Spirits", an independent bottler, part of a very exclusive and unique "Masters of Magic" series. Now, in this third write-up, I'll share my thoughts on Thurston the Great Magician. Howard Thurston was a renowned magician in the early 1900s, whose show was so grand it required eight train cars for transport. He famously played on the widespread belief that magicians of that time had demonic ties, even staging a show to address the query: "Do the Spirits come back?" This particular bottle is a 12-year-old Linkwood, bottled at 46% ABV. The aroma is exceptionally captivating. It begins with vinegar and hot chili, followed by pepper and dampness. There's grapefruit and an odor I can only liken to the smell of wet soil. After a few sips, the scent evolved into a very rustic, cowboy-like profile. Abundant hay notes, making it seem like a scarecrow among whiskies. Vanilla and that earthy, muddy scent return. It's a wild aroma. The palate was a complete surprise after the initial aroma. It presents red fruits with acidic notes. On the second taste, the red fruits reappear but with a richer, syrupy quality. Apricots are present. It genuinely tastes like a creamy Italian gelato. The finish is an ideal fusion of the nose and palate. Spicy marmalade, tobacco, and freshly mown grass. It again evokes a strong cowboy vibe. Ultimately, I feel the distinctive notes here made this a far more engaging dram than others from the same collection. It's bold, eccentric, and peculiar, all in a positive way. The muddy aroma transported me back to childhood visits to animal farms. An exceptional experience; this whisky warrants at least a 92 out of 100.