Strathisla 18 Years Old 1997 (Small Batch)

Single malt Strathisla, an independent Cadenhead's bottling matured to 18 year old from 1997 and bottled at 56.9%. A release of 774 bottles. Strathisla was built in 1786 on the River Isla in Keith, on the River Isla in Speyside; it is the oldest continuously working distillery in the Highlands. 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. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. By this age the rich spirit rounds into honey, ripe pear and a nutty depth. Years in oak round the spirit, the honey and dried fruit deepening with age. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make the distillery is known for. Keith is one of Speyside's old whisky towns, north of the Cairngorms.

Undiluted at 56.9%, it is layered. Apple, almond and a warm spice meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Soft orchard fruit and almond sit behind the sweetness. Ripe pear and honey draw out the close. This is Strathisla's classic honeyed Speyside style.