Glenisla 1977 (Signatory) (42.3%)

A 39 year old Glenisla from the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, distilled in 1977, from cask 19606, bottled at 42.3%, one of 243 bottles. Glenisla is the peated malt made at Glen Keith, the Speyside distillery's smoky experiment. It ran triple distillation from the start, switching to double distillation by the 1980s.

The spirit was run through the stills from a peated mash for a smoky make, giving a light, peated Speyside spirit. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the light spirit. At a great, fragile age oxidation rules, sotolon lending maple and dried fig as beeswax, soft peat and a tropical fruit linger. Long ageing turns the fresh apple towards tropical fruit, honey and a soft spice. It sits within sight of Strathisla, the oldest distillery in Scotland. A gentle maturation suits the light make, the orchard fruit growing richer with time. Refill oak lets the light, fruity Glen Keith character lead the way.

At 42.3% it is fresh, fruity and clean. A light, smoky fruitiness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A soft peat and a gentle oak give it depth. The close is light and smoky, fruit over a gentle oak. This is the smoky face of Glen Keith.