Strathisla 21 Years Old 1985 Cask #6119 (G&M)

Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, this Strathisla, a 21 year old from 1985, drawn from cask 6119 and bottled at 45%. The outturn was 144 bottles. Set in Keith, on the River Isla in Speyside, Strathisla has distilled since 1786. 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. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. Past fifteen years the fruit deepens into honey, dried fruit and almond. Decades in oak build a waxy, honeyed depth over the fruity spirit. The make leans rich and fruity, fuller than the lighter Speyside style. 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.

Reduced to 45%, it is mellow. Orchard fruit and a creamy honey sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. A baked apple and a warm ginger lift it. The close is warm, fruit over soft oak. This is a rich Speyside malt from the home of Chivas.