Strathisla 12 Years Old (43%)

An official Strathisla single malt matured to 12 year old and bottled at 43%. Strathisla was first licensed in 1786 in the old town of Keith on Speyside; it is among the prettiest distilleries in Scotland. Water comes from the Broomhill Spring, the distillery set on the River Isla at Keith.

The spirit was made in small copper onion stills for a full bodied spirit, for a rich, fruity make of real depth. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. Still young, the malt is honeyed and fruity with a creamy lift. Refill oak lets the fruity distillery character lead, honey over orchard fruit. Few distilleries can claim an unbroken run of distilling as long as Strathisla's. The Isla valley's soft water and old stills shape a honeyed, fruity spirit. Strathisla is the oldest continuously working distillery in the Scottish Highlands, founded in 1786.

At an approachable 43% it is rich and balanced. Vanilla and a creamy note from the barrel runs under a honeyed, creamy fruitiness. A dried fruit and a gentle oak spice give it depth. Dried fruit and honey see out a long finish. This is a fruity, full bodied Speysider from Keith.