Strathisla 12 Years Old

This Strathisla, an official release, aged 12 year old and bottled at 43%. Built in 1786 on the River Isla on the banks of the Isla at Keith, Strathisla is the oldest working distillery in the Highlands. Founded as the Milltown distillery, it took the Strathisla name in the 19th century.

The spirit was run through onion shaped stills with long necks for a rich make, to build a creamy, orchard fruit character. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. At a youthful age the fruit is lively and the malt rich. Short stills give a weighty spirit that rewards long ageing. 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. 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. Orchard fruit and a creamy honey sit alongside soft vanilla and honey from the cask. A baked apple and a warm ginger lift it. It finishes clean, fruity and rich. This is a rich Speyside malt from the home of Chivas.