Strathisla 11 Years Old 2010 Cask #582 (The Single Cask Ltd.)

The Single Cask Ltd selected this Strathisla, an 11 year old Speyside malt from 2010, drawn from cask 582 and bottled at 59.8%. The outturn was 179 bottles. Built in 1786 on the River Isla in the old town of Keith on Speyside, Strathisla is the oldest working distillery in the Highlands. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make at its heart.

The spirit was made in small copper onion stills for a full bodied spirit, for a rich, fruity make of real depth. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Younger here, it keeps a creamy, orchard fruit freshness over light honey. Dunnage warehousing on site gives a slow, humid maturation. Few distilleries can claim an unbroken run of distilling as long as Strathisla's. 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 59.8%, undiluted, it is deep and honeyed. Vanilla and a creamy note from the barrel, with honey, ripe pear and a nutty almond. The mouthfeel is buttery, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. The finish runs rich, nutty and warm. This is the single malt of Scotland's prettiest distillery.