Strathisla 48 Years Old 1953 Licensed Bottling (G&M)

Single malt Strathisla, an independent Gordon & MacPhail bottling, a 48 year old from 1953 and bottled at 40%. Strathisla, founded in 1786 by Taylor and Milne in Keith, on the River Isla in Speyside, is the home of Chivas Regal. Long scarce as an official bottling, Strathisla was for decades bottled mainly by Gordon and MacPhail.

It was worked through short pot stills for a rich, fruity make, for the rich, fruity Speyside make Strathisla is known for. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. At forty years and more it is rich and waxy, tropical fruit, honey and old oak in a profound old malt. Years in oak round the spirit, the honey and dried fruit deepening with age. 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 40% it is soft, fruity and creamy. Apple, almond and a warm spice meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Soft orchard fruit and almond sit behind the sweetness. A fruity, gently spiced finish lingers long. This is Strathisla's classic honeyed Speyside style.