Strathisla 49 Years Old 1964 Cask #3532 (G&M)

A Strathisla single malt, selected and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, a 49 year old release from 1964, drawn from cask 3532 and bottled at 43%. Just 492 bottles were filled. Strathisla was built in 1786 on the River Isla in Keith, in the heart of Speyside; it is the oldest continuously working distillery in the Highlands. Strathisla is the fruity heart of Chivas Regal, owned by Chivas Brothers since 1950.

It was drawn off the distillery's short copper stills, for a fruity, honeyed spirit with real weight. 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 slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, fruity core over time. The distillery is a centrepiece of the Malt Whisky Trail and the home of Chivas.

At an easy 43% it is gentle. The Oloroso adds figgy dried fruit and a nutty edge, and a gentle vanilla and cream from the wood, with pear, honey and a buttery malt. The texture is rich and creamy, the fruit lifted by honey. Dried fruit and honey see out a long finish. This is a rich, honeyed Speyside single malt.