Strathisla 35 Years Old 1969 Cask #2516 (Dansk Maltwhisky Akademi)

Dansk Maltwhisky Akademi selected this Strathisla, a 35 year old release from 1969, drawn from cask 2516 and bottled at 56.3%. Set in the Speyside town of Keith, Strathisla has distilled since 1786. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make at its heart.

Distilled in short copper pot stills on Broomhill Spring water, giving the honeyed, full bodied spirit at its heart. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. At this age it is rich and rounded, the fruit folded into a honeyed, waxy body. The full bodied new make carries cask character well across long maturation. 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. The make leans rich and fruity, fuller than the lighter Speyside style.

At cask strength 56.3% it is full bodied. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with honey, ripe pear and a nutty almond. The mouthfeel is buttery, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. A warming, fruity finish lingers. This is the single malt of Scotland's prettiest distillery.