Strathisla 15 Years Old 2008 Cask #21600501 (Connoisseurs Choice)

This Strathisla was from the independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail, a 15 year old Speyside malt from 2008, drawn from cask 21600501 and bottled at 55.6%. 328 bottles in all. Established in 1786 as the Milltown distillery in Keith, on the River Isla in Speyside, Strathisla is the oldest working distillery in the Highlands. Its twin pagodas and water wheel make it one of the prettiest distilleries in Scotland.

It was worked through short pot stills for a rich, fruity make, for the rich, fruity Speyside make Strathisla is known for. Maturation in Oloroso sherry laid dried fruit over the honeyed malt. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper orchard fruit. Decades in oak build a waxy, honeyed depth over the fruity spirit. The distillery has stood by the Isla since the reign of George III. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make the distillery is known for.

At a natural 55.6% it is full and rich. The Oloroso lends raisin, fig and toasted nuts, and ripe orchard fruit and a gentle ginger sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. It is rounded and full, the fruity spirit shining through. It finishes clean, fruity and rich. This is the malt of Scotland's oldest working Highland distillery.