Strathisla 30 Years Old 1989 Cask #5939 (Wilson & Morgan)

This is a Strathisla single malt, chosen and bottled by Wilson & Morgan, a 30 year old from 1989, drawn from cask 5939 and bottled at 54.2%. 115 bottles in all. Set on the banks of the Isla at Keith, Strathisla has distilled since 1786. It is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands.

The spirit was run through onion shaped stills with long necks for a rich make, to build a creamy, orchard fruit character. An Oloroso sherry cask wrapped the rich spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. Beyond twenty five years the malt grows deep and waxy, dried fruit, honey and almond over old oak. The cool Speyside climate gives a slow, even maturation over many years. Keith is one of Speyside's old whisky towns, north of the Cairngorms. The distillery is a centrepiece of the Malt Whisky Trail and the home of Chivas.

At its natural 54.2% it is rich and fruity. Sherried dried fruit and a walnut richness come through, and a rich, fruity sweetness meet soft vanilla and honey from the cask. Beneath it run honey, pear and a soft spice. The close is warm, fruit over soft oak. This is the fruity Speyside heart of Chivas Regal.