Strathisla 25 Years Old 1989 Spirits Shop’ Selection (Sansibar)

Sansibar selected this Strathisla, a 25 year old release from 1989 and bottled at 51.8%. A release of 245 bottles. Strathisla was built in 1786 on the River Isla in Keith, in the heart of Speyside; it is the oldest continuously working distillery in the Highlands. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make at its heart.

It was drawn off the distillery's short copper stills, for a fruity, honeyed spirit with real weight. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Past fifteen years the fruit deepens into honey, dried fruit and almond. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, fruity core over time. Water comes from the Broomhill Spring, the distillery set on the River Isla at Keith. 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.

At its natural 51.8% it is rich and fruity. A gentle vanilla and cream from the wood, with honey, ripe pear and a nutty almond. The mouthfeel is buttery, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. Dried fruit and honey see out a long finish. This is the single malt of Scotland's prettiest distillery.