Strathisla 18 Years Old 2005 Cask #HL 21259 (Old Malt Cask)

From Hunter Laing comes this Strathisla, an 18 year old release from 2005, drawn from cask HL 21259 and bottled at 50%. A release of 279 bottles. Strathisla was first licensed in 1786 in the old town of Keith on Speyside; it is among the prettiest distilleries in Scotland. Water comes from the Broomhill Spring, the distillery set on the River Isla at Keith.

The spirit was made in small copper onion stills for a full bodied spirit, for a rich, fruity make of real depth. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. Past fifteen years the fruit deepens into honey, dried fruit and almond. Refill oak lets the fruity distillery character lead, honey over orchard fruit. 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. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make the distillery is known for.

At cask strength 50% it is full bodied. Vanilla and a creamy note from the barrel runs under a honeyed, creamy fruitiness. A dried fruit and a gentle oak spice give it depth. Dried fruit and honey see out a long finish. This is a fruity, full bodied Speysider from Keith.