Strathisla 12 Years Old 2008 (Distillery Labels)

From Gordon & MacPhail comes this Strathisla matured to 12 year old from 2008 and bottled at 46%. Strathisla, opened in 1786 in the Speyside town of Keith, is the home of Chivas Regal. Water comes from the Broomhill Spring, the distillery set on the River Isla at Keith.

Distilled in short copper pot stills on Broomhill Spring water, giving the honeyed, full bodied spirit at its heart. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. Younger here, it keeps a creamy, orchard fruit freshness over light honey. A patient maturation suits the rich, fruity Strathisla character. 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. Dunnage warehouses on site give a slow, humid maturation by the river.

Bottled at 46%, it is rounded. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under a honeyed, creamy fruitiness. A dried fruit and a gentle oak spice give it depth. The finish is deep, waxy and fruity. This is a fruity, full bodied Speysider from Keith.