Strathisla 38 Years Old 1937 Licensed Bottling (G&M)

From Gordon & MacPhail comes this Strathisla, a 38 year old Speyside malt from 1937 and bottled at 70%. Strathisla was built in 1786 on the River Isla in Keith, in the heart of Speyside; it is the oldest continuously working distillery in the Highlands. Water comes from the Broomhill Spring, the distillery set on the River Isla at Keith.

It was drawn off the distillery's short copper stills, for a fruity, honeyed spirit with real weight. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Past twenty five years the spirit turns honeyed and full while keeping its fruit. Long, gentle maturation turns the orchard fruit towards honey and almond. 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.

At a full 70% it is intense yet fruity. A gentle vanilla and cream from the wood runs under a honeyed, creamy fruitiness. A dried fruit and a gentle oak spice give it depth. Dried fruit and honey see out a long finish. This is a fruity, full bodied Speysider from Keith.