Strathisla The Distillery Reserve Collection 19 Years Old 1994

A distillery bottling of Strathisla matured to 19 year old from 1994, drawn from cask Batch SI 19 012 and bottled at 57.8%. Strathisla was built in 1786 on the River Isla in Keith, in the heart of Speyside; it is the oldest continuously working distillery in the Highlands. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make at its heart.

It was drawn off the distillery's short copper stills, for a fruity, honeyed spirit with real weight. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper orchard fruit. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, fruity core over time. Scarce as an official bottling, Strathisla was long bottled mainly by Gordon and MacPhail. The distillery has stood by the Isla since the reign of George III. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make the distillery is known for.

At cask strength 57.8% it is full bodied. A gentle vanilla and cream from the wood, with honey, ripe pear and a nutty almond. The mouthfeel is buttery, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. Dried fruit and honey see out a long finish. This is the single malt of Scotland's prettiest distillery.