Strathisla 40 Years Old 1977 Cask #387 (G&M)

From Gordon & MacPhail comes this Strathisla, a 40 year old Speyside malt from 1977, drawn from cask 387 and bottled at 48.5%. 191 bottles in all. Established in 1786 as the Milltown distillery in Keith, in the heart of Speyside, Strathisla is the oldest 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. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. At this great age the malt is full and mellow, the fruit deep and the oak polished. Long, gentle maturation turns the orchard fruit towards honey and almond. The distillery stands among gardens by the rushing River Isla. The malt is the fruity heart of the Chivas Regal blend, owned by Chivas Brothers since 1950. Water comes from the Broomhill Spring, the distillery set on the River Isla at Keith.

At a full 48.5% 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. The finish runs rich, nutty and warm. This is a fruity, full bodied Speysider from Keith.