Strathisla 42 Years Old 1954 Licensed Bottling (G&M)

Gordon & MacPhail bottled this Strathisla single malt matured to 42 year old from 1954 and bottled at 40%. 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. The single malt is prized for its honeyed, fruity Speyside character.

It was drawn off the distillery's short copper stills, for a fruity, honeyed spirit with real weight. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. At this great age the malt is full and mellow, the fruit deep and the oak polished. Long, gentle maturation turns the orchard fruit towards honey and almond. Dunnage warehouses on site give a slow, humid maturation by the river. The make leans rich and fruity, fuller than the lighter Speyside style. 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 40% it is clean and fruity. A gentle vanilla and cream from the wood runs under honey, apple and a soft spice. It is rich and deep, the fruit and oak well matched. A long, honeyed finish carries an almond note. This is an honeyed, fruity Speyside single malt.