Strathisla 48 Years Old 1965 Licensed Bottling (G&M)

Single malt Strathisla, an independent Gordon & MacPhail bottling, a 48 year old Speyside malt from 1965 and bottled at 43%. Established in 1786 as the Milltown distillery in Keith, on the River Isla in Speyside, Strathisla is the oldest working distillery in the Highlands. 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. An Oloroso sherry cask wrapped the rich spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. At this great age the malt is full and mellow, the fruit deep and the oak polished. Years in oak round the spirit, the honey and dried fruit deepening with age. Strathisla is the oldest continuously working distillery in the Scottish Highlands, founded in 1786.

At 43% it is smooth and honeyed. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and apple, almond and a warm spice meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Soft orchard fruit and almond sit behind the sweetness. It finishes clean, fruity and rich. This is Strathisla's classic honeyed Speyside style.