Strathisla 25 Years Old Licensed Bottling (G&M) (43%)

Gordon & MacPhail bottled this Strathisla single malt, a 25 year old Speyside malt and bottled at 43%. Built in 1786 on the River Isla in the old town of Keith on Speyside, Strathisla is the oldest working distillery in the Highlands. The single malt is prized for its honeyed, fruity Speyside character.

The spirit was made in small copper onion stills for a full bodied spirit, for a rich, fruity make of real depth. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper orchard fruit. Refill oak lets the fruity distillery character lead, honey over orchard fruit. The distillery is a centrepiece of the Malt Whisky Trail and the home of Chivas. Gordon and MacPhail have released Strathisla vintages reaching back to the 1930s and 1950s. Dunnage warehouses on site give a slow, humid maturation by the river.

At an easy 43% it is gentle. Sherried dried fruit and a walnut richness come through, and vanilla and a creamy note from the barrel runs under honey, apple and a soft spice. It is rich and deep, the fruit and oak well matched. The finish runs rich, nutty and warm. This is an honeyed, fruity Speyside single malt.