Strathisla 11 Years Old 1989 Cask #5252 + 5253 (Signatory)

From Signatory Vintage comes this Strathisla, an 11 year old from 1989, drawn from cask 5252 + 5253 and bottled at 43%. 648 bottles in all. Set in Keith, in the heart of Speyside, Strathisla has distilled since 1786. Water comes from the Broomhill Spring, the distillery set on the River Isla at Keith.

It was drawn off the distillery's short copper stills, for a fruity, honeyed spirit with real weight. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. Still young, the malt is honeyed and fruity with a creamy lift. Long, gentle maturation turns the orchard fruit towards honey and almond. The distillery has stood by the Isla since the reign of George III. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make the distillery is known for. 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.

Bottled at 43%, it is rounded. A gentle vanilla and cream from the wood runs under a honeyed, creamy fruitiness. A dried fruit and a gentle oak spice give it depth. A warming, fruity finish lingers. This is a fruity, full bodied Speysider from Keith.