Strathisla 35 Years Old Finest Highland Malt Whisky (G&M)

This Strathisla was from the independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail, a 35 year old and bottled at 40%. Set on the banks of the Isla at Keith, Strathisla has distilled since 1786. Its twin pagodas and water wheel make it one of the prettiest distilleries in Scotland.

The spirit was run through onion shaped stills with long necks for a rich make, to build a creamy, orchard fruit character. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. Past twenty five years the spirit turns honeyed and full while keeping its fruit. Short stills give a weighty spirit that rewards long ageing. Water comes from the Broomhill Spring, the distillery set on the River Isla at Keith. Scarce as an official bottling, Strathisla was long bottled mainly by Gordon and MacPhail. The distillery has stood by the Isla since the reign of George III. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make the distillery is known for.

At 40% it is supple and honeyed. Ripe orchard fruit and a gentle ginger sit alongside soft vanilla and honey from the cask. It is rounded and full, the fruity spirit shining through. The close is warm, fruit over soft oak. This is the malt of Scotland's oldest working Highland distillery.