Strathisla 42 Years Old 1970 Licensed Bottling (G&M)

Gordon & MacPhail bottled this Strathisla single malt matured to 42 year old from 1970 and bottled at 43%. Strathisla, founded in 1786 in the old town of Keith on Speyside, is the home of Chivas Regal. The single malt is prized for its honeyed, fruity Speyside character.

The spirit was made in small copper onion stills for a full bodied spirit, for a rich, fruity make of real depth. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. Decades leave it deep and oxidative, candied fruit and beeswax with great age. Refill oak lets the fruity distillery character lead, honey over orchard fruit. 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. Keith is one of Speyside's old whisky towns, north of the Cairngorms.

At 43% it is smooth and honeyed. Vanilla and a creamy note from the barrel runs under honey, apple and a soft spice. It is rich and deep, the fruit and oak well matched. The finish is deep, waxy and fruity. This is an honeyed, fruity Speyside single malt.