Strathisla 48 Years Old 1960 Licensed Bottling (G&M)

Single malt Strathisla, an independent Gordon & MacPhail bottling, a 48 year old Speyside malt from 1960 and bottled at 43%. Strathisla was founded in 1786 by Taylor and Milne on the banks of the Isla at Keith, and it is the fruity heart of the Chivas Regal blend. Long scarce as an official bottling, Strathisla was for decades bottled mainly by Gordon and MacPhail.

The spirit was run through onion shaped stills with long necks for a rich make, to build a creamy, orchard fruit character. Maturation in Oloroso sherry laid dried fruit over the honeyed malt. Very old Strathisla turns profound, waxy and tropical yet still honeyed and fruity. The cool Speyside climate gives a slow, even maturation over many years. Few distilleries can claim an unbroken run of distilling as long as Strathisla's. The Isla valley's soft water and old stills shape a honeyed, fruity spirit.

At 43% it is soft, fruity and creamy. The Oloroso lends raisin, fig and toasted nuts, and apple, almond and a warm spice meet soft vanilla and honey from the cask. Soft orchard fruit and almond sit behind the sweetness. It closes long, honeyed and fruity. This is Strathisla's classic honeyed Speyside style.