Strathisla 35 Years Old 1967 Cask #1326 (Duncan Taylor)

Bottled by Duncan Taylor, this Strathisla, a 35 year old from 1967, drawn from cask 1326 and bottled at 48.8%. 195 bottles in all. Strathisla was founded in 1786 by Taylor and Milne on the banks of the Isla at Keith, and it is the fruity heart of the Chivas Regal blend. Founded as the Milltown distillery, it took the Strathisla name in the 19th century.

The spirit was run through onion shaped stills with long necks for a rich make, to build a creamy, orchard fruit character. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the fruity character to the fore. Long ageing brings a deep dried fruit character and a mellow, polished oak. Short stills give a weighty spirit that rewards long ageing. 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.

At a full 48.8% it is intense yet fruity. Orchard fruit and a creamy honey sit alongside soft vanilla and honey from the cask. A baked apple and a warm ginger lift it. It closes long, honeyed and fruity. This is a rich Speyside malt from the home of Chivas.