Strathisla 42 Years Old 1964 Licensed Bottling (G&M)

Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, this Strathisla, aged 42 year old from 1964 and bottled at 43%. Strathisla was opened in 1786 in Keith, on the River Isla in Speyside, and its twin pagodas make it one of Scotch's most photographed distilleries. Founded as the Milltown distillery, it took the Strathisla name in the 19th century.

It was worked through short pot stills for a rich, fruity make, for the rich, fruity Speyside make Strathisla is known for. Ex-Sherry wood suited the full make, adding a dried fruit richness. Very old Strathisla turns profound, waxy and tropical yet still honeyed and fruity. Decades in oak build a waxy, honeyed depth over the fruity spirit. 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. Strathisla is the oldest continuously working distillery in the Scottish Highlands, founded in 1786.

At an approachable 43% it is rich and balanced. The Oloroso lends raisin, fig and toasted nuts, and orchard fruit and a creamy honey sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. A baked apple and a warm ginger lift it. It closes long, honeyed and fruity. This is a rich Speyside malt from the home of Chivas.