Strathisla 48 Years Old 1949 Licensed Bottling (G&M)

A Strathisla single malt, selected and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, a 48 year old Speyside malt from 1949 and bottled at 40%. Set in Keith, in the heart of Speyside, Strathisla has distilled since 1786. 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. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the fruity character to the fore. Decades leave it deep and oxidative, candied fruit and beeswax with great age. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, fruity core over time. The distillery is a centrepiece of the Malt Whisky Trail and the home of Chivas. Gordon and MacPhail have released Strathisla vintages reaching back to the 1930s and 1950s. Dunnage warehouses on site give a slow, humid maturation by the river. The make leans rich and fruity, fuller than the lighter Speyside style.

At 40% it is smooth and honeyed. 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 warming, fruity finish lingers. This is a rich, honeyed Speyside single malt.