Strathisla 15 Years Old Finest Highland Malt Whisky Acquavite di Cereali (G&M)

Gordon & MacPhail selected this Strathisla, a 15 year old Speyside malt and bottled at 40%. Strathisla, founded in 1786 by Taylor and Milne in Keith, in the heart of Speyside, is the home of Chivas Regal. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make at its heart.

It was drawn off the distillery's short copper stills, for a fruity, honeyed spirit with real weight. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Past fifteen years the fruit deepens into honey, dried fruit and almond. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, fruity core over time. 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. The make leans rich and fruity, fuller than the lighter Speyside style.

Bottled at 40%, it is rounded. A gentle vanilla and cream from the wood, with honey, ripe pear and a nutty almond. The mouthfeel is buttery, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. The finish is deep, waxy and fruity. This is the single malt of Scotland's prettiest distillery.