Strathisla 17 Years Old 2005 Cask #15604106 (Connoisseurs Choice)

Gordon & MacPhail selected this Strathisla, a 17 year old Speyside malt from 2005, drawn from cask 15604106 and bottled at 56.3%. The outturn was 327 bottles. First licensed in 1786 in the Speyside town of Keith, Strathisla is the oldest working distillery in the Highlands. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make at its heart.

Distilled in short copper pot stills on Broomhill Spring water, giving the honeyed, full bodied spirit at its heart. Maturation in Oloroso sherry laid dried fruit over the honeyed malt. By this age the rich spirit rounds into honey, ripe pear and a nutty depth. The full bodied new make carries cask character well across long maturation. Scarce as an official bottling, Strathisla was long bottled mainly by Gordon and MacPhail. The distillery has stood by the Isla since the reign of George III.

Undiluted at 56.3%, it is layered. The Oloroso adds figgy dried fruit and a nutty edge, and the refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with honey, ripe pear and a nutty almond. The mouthfeel is buttery, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. The finish runs rich, nutty and warm. This is the single malt of Scotland's prettiest distillery.