Strathisla 25 Years Old 1997 Cask #78844 (LMDW)

La Maison du Whisky bottled this Strathisla single malt matured to 25 year old from 1997, drawn from cask 78844 and bottled at 50%. Only 269 bottles were released. Strathisla, founded in 1786 by Taylor and Milne in Keith, in the heart of Speyside, is the home of Chivas Regal. The single malt is prized for its honeyed, fruity Speyside character.

It was drawn off the distillery's short copper stills, for a fruity, honeyed spirit with real weight. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. By this age the rich spirit rounds into honey, ripe pear and a nutty depth. Long, gentle maturation turns the orchard fruit towards honey and almond. The distillery stands among gardens by the rushing River Isla. The malt is the fruity heart of the Chivas Regal blend, owned by Chivas Brothers since 1950. Water comes from the Broomhill Spring, the distillery set on the River Isla at Keith.

At a full 50% it is intense yet fruity. A gentle vanilla and cream from the wood runs under honey, apple and a soft spice. It is rich and deep, the fruit and oak well matched. The finish is deep, waxy and fruity. This is an honeyed, fruity Speyside single malt.