Strathisla 10 Years Old 2008 Cask #492 – 494 (Ian Macleod)

Ian Macleod selected this Strathisla, aged 10 year old from 2008, drawn from cask 492 - 494 and bottled at 43%. Just 1004 bottles were filled. Strathisla was founded in 1786 in the Speyside town of Keith, and it has distilled without a break for well over two centuries. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make at its heart.

Distilled in short copper pot stills on Broomhill Spring water, giving the honeyed, full bodied spirit at its heart. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. At a youthful age the fruit is lively and the malt rich. The full bodied new make carries cask character well across long maturation. 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.

At an easy 43% it is gentle. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with honey, ripe pear and a nutty almond. The mouthfeel is buttery, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. A long, honeyed finish carries an almond note. This is the single malt of Scotland's prettiest distillery.