Strathisla 40 Years Old 1970 Cask #5474 (G&M)

Gordon & MacPhail selected this Strathisla, aged 40 year old from 1970, drawn from cask 5474 and bottled at 45%. Strathisla was opened in 1786 in Keith, in the heart of Speyside, and its twin pagodas make it one of Scotch's most photographed distilleries. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make at its heart.

It was drawn off the distillery's short copper stills, for a fruity, honeyed spirit with real weight. An Oloroso sherry cask wrapped the rich spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. At this great age the malt is full and mellow, the fruit deep and the oak polished. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, fruity core over time. 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 45% it is clean and fruity. Raisin, date and a nutty sherry depth build, and a gentle vanilla and cream from the wood, with honey, ripe pear and a nutty almond. The mouthfeel is buttery, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. A long, honeyed finish carries an almond note. This is the single malt of Scotland's prettiest distillery.