Strathisla 13 Years Old 2008 White Label (Sansibar)

Sansibar bottled this Strathisla single malt, aged 13 year old from 2008 and bottled at 53.2%. Just 246 bottles were filled. Strathisla was founded in 1786 by Taylor and Milne in the old town of Keith on Speyside, and it is the fruity heart of the Chivas Regal blend. The single malt is prized for its honeyed, fruity Speyside character.

The spirit was made in small copper onion stills for a full bodied spirit, for a rich, fruity make of real depth. 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. Refill oak lets the fruity distillery character lead, honey over orchard fruit. 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 cask strength 53.2% it is full bodied. Vanilla and a creamy note from the barrel runs under honey, apple and a soft spice. It is rich and deep, the fruit and oak well matched. A long, honeyed finish carries an almond note. This is an honeyed, fruity Speyside single malt.