Strathisla 10 Years Old 1998 Cask #57909+06+07 (Ian Macleod)

Single malt Strathisla, an independent Ian Macleod bottling, a 10 year old from 1998, drawn from cask 57909+06+07 and bottled at 43%. 1278 bottles in all. Set in Keith, on the River Isla in Speyside, Strathisla has distilled since 1786. Long scarce as an official bottling, Strathisla was for decades bottled mainly by Gordon and MacPhail.

It was worked through short pot stills for a rich, fruity make, for the rich, fruity Speyside make Strathisla is known for. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the fruity character to the fore. Younger here, it keeps a creamy, orchard fruit freshness over light honey. Years in oak round the spirit, the honey and dried fruit deepening with age. Keith is one of Speyside's old whisky towns, north of the Cairngorms. 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.

Reduced to 43%, it is mellow. Apple, almond and a warm spice meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Soft orchard fruit and almond sit behind the sweetness. The close is warm, fruit over soft oak. This is Strathisla's classic honeyed Speyside style.