Strathisla 30 Years Old 1991 Cask #1014 (LMDW)

Bottled by La Maison du Whisky, this Strathisla, a 30 year old Speyside malt from 1991, drawn from cask 1014 and bottled at 42.3%. The outturn was 146 bottles. Built in 1786 on the River Isla on the banks of the Isla at Keith, Strathisla is the oldest working distillery in the Highlands. Founded as the Milltown distillery, it took the Strathisla name in the 19th century.

The spirit was run through onion shaped stills with long necks for a rich make, to build a creamy, orchard fruit character. 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. Short stills give a weighty spirit that rewards long ageing. 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 42.3% it is clean and fruity. Orchard fruit and a creamy honey sit alongside soft vanilla and honey from the cask. A baked apple and a warm ginger lift it. It finishes clean, fruity and rich. This is a rich Speyside malt from the home of Chivas.