Strathisla 48 Years Old 1967 Licensed Bottling (G&M)

Gordon & MacPhail bottled this Strathisla single malt, a 48 year old from 1967 and bottled at 43%. Set in Keith, in the heart of Speyside, Strathisla has distilled since 1786. The single malt is prized for its honeyed, fruity Speyside character.

It was drawn off the distillery's short copper stills, for a fruity, honeyed spirit with real weight. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. Very old Strathisla turns profound, waxy and tropical yet still honeyed and fruity. Long, gentle maturation turns the orchard fruit towards honey and almond. Keith is one of Speyside's old whisky towns, north of the Cairngorms. The distillery is a centrepiece of the Malt Whisky Trail and the home of Chivas. Gordon and MacPhail have released Strathisla vintages reaching back to the 1930s and 1950s. Dunnage warehouses on site give a slow, humid maturation by the river.

At an approachable 43% it is rich and balanced. Sherried dried fruit and a walnut richness come through, and a gentle vanilla and cream from the wood runs under honey, apple and a soft spice. It is rich and deep, the fruit and oak well matched. A warming, fruity finish lingers. This is an honeyed, fruity Speyside single malt.