Strathisla 17 Years Old 1989 Cask #2052 (Blackadder)

A Strathisla single malt, selected and bottled by Blackadder, a 17 year old from 1989, drawn from cask 2052 and bottled at 61.3%. Just 184 bottles were filled. Strathisla was opened in 1786 in Keith, in the heart of Speyside, and its twin pagodas make it one of Scotch's most photographed distilleries. Strathisla is the fruity heart of Chivas Regal, owned by Chivas Brothers since 1950.

It was drawn off the distillery's short copper stills, for a fruity, honeyed spirit with real weight. Maturation in Oloroso sherry laid dried fruit over the honeyed malt. Around two decades the malt gains a fuller honey and a dried fruit weight. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, fruity core over time. 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.

At 61.3%, undiluted, it is deep and honeyed. The Oloroso gives dried fruit and a warm nuttiness, and a gentle vanilla and cream from the wood, with pear, honey and a buttery malt. The texture is rich and creamy, the fruit lifted by honey. A long, honeyed finish carries an almond note. This is a rich, honeyed Speyside single malt.