Strathisla 48 Years Old 1963 Cask #576 (G&M)

Single malt Strathisla, an independent Gordon & MacPhail bottling, a 48 year old release from 1963, drawn from cask 576 and bottled at 51.8%. Strathisla was established in 1786 as the Milltown distillery by the Isla in Keith, Banffshire; it is the home of Chivas Regal. Long scarce as an official bottling, Strathisla was for decades bottled mainly by Gordon and MacPhail.

Distilled on soft Isla valley water in traditional pot stills, building the classic Strathisla style. Maturation in Oloroso sherry laid dried fruit over the honeyed malt. At forty years and more it is rich and waxy, tropical fruit, honey and old oak in a profound old malt. The unpeated make lets the wood and the fruit speak without smoke. 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 51.8%, undiluted, it is deep and honeyed. The Oloroso gives dried fruit and a warm nuttiness, and apple, almond and a warm spice meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. Soft orchard fruit and almond sit behind the sweetness. Ripe pear and honey draw out the close. This is Strathisla's classic honeyed Speyside style.