Strathisla 35 Years Old 1937 (Connoisseurs Choice)

Single malt Strathisla, an independent Gordon & MacPhail bottling matured to 35 year old from 1937 and bottled at 43%. The outturn was 600 bottles. Set by the Isla in Keith, Banffshire, Strathisla has distilled since 1786. Long scarce as an official bottling, Strathisla was for decades bottled mainly by Gordon and MacPhail.

Distilled on soft Isla valley water in traditional pot stills, building the classic Strathisla style. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. Beyond twenty five years the malt grows deep and waxy, dried fruit, honey and almond over old oak. The unpeated make lets the wood and the fruit speak without smoke. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make the distillery is known for. Keith is one of Speyside's old whisky towns, north of the Cairngorms. The distillery is a centrepiece of the Malt Whisky Trail and the home of Chivas.

At 43% it is soft, fruity and creamy. Apple, almond and a warm spice meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. Soft orchard fruit and almond sit behind the sweetness. The close is warm, fruit over soft oak. This is Strathisla's classic honeyed Speyside style.