Strathisla 1948 Licensed Bottling (G&M)

Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, this Strathisla from 1948 and bottled at 40%. Established in 1786 as the Milltown distillery in Keith, on the River Isla in Speyside, Strathisla is the oldest working distillery in the Highlands. Founded as the Milltown distillery, it took the Strathisla name in the 19th century.

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. Carrying no age, it leans on honey, pear and a creamy malt. Decades in oak build a waxy, honeyed depth over the fruity spirit. Few distilleries can claim an unbroken run of distilling as long as Strathisla's. The Isla valley's soft water and old stills shape a honeyed, fruity spirit. Strathisla is the oldest continuously working distillery in the Scottish Highlands, founded in 1786. The distillery stands among gardens by the rushing River Isla.

At an easy 40% it is gentle. Orchard fruit and a creamy honey sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. A baked apple and a warm ginger lift it. It finishes clean, fruity and rich. This is a rich Speyside malt from the home of Chivas.