Strathisla 14 Years Old 1999 Licensed Bottling (G&M)

Single malt Strathisla, an independent Gordon & MacPhail bottling, aged 14 year old from 1999 and bottled at 43%. Strathisla was opened in 1786 in Keith, on the River Isla in Speyside, and its twin pagodas make it one of Scotch's most photographed distilleries. Long scarce as an official bottling, Strathisla was for decades bottled mainly by Gordon and MacPhail.

It was worked through short pot stills for a rich, fruity make, for the rich, fruity Speyside make Strathisla is known for. 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. Years in oak round the spirit, the honey and dried fruit deepening with age. The distillery stands among gardens by the rushing River Isla. The malt is the fruity heart of the Chivas Regal blend, owned by Chivas Brothers since 1950. Water comes from the Broomhill Spring, the distillery set on the River Isla at Keith.

At 43% it is clean and fruity. Apple, almond and a warm spice meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Soft orchard fruit and almond sit behind the sweetness. It closes long, honeyed and fruity. This is Strathisla's classic honeyed Speyside style.