Strathisla 50 Years Old 1968 Cask #6439 (G&M)

From Gordon & MacPhail comes this Strathisla, a 50 year old release from 1968, drawn from cask 6439 and bottled at 53.5%. Only 23 bottles were released. Strathisla was established in 1786 as the Milltown distillery in the Speyside town of Keith; it is the home of Chivas Regal. Water comes from the Broomhill Spring, the distillery set on the River Isla at Keith.

Distilled in short copper pot stills on Broomhill Spring water, giving the honeyed, full bodied spirit at its heart. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. Decades leave it deep and oxidative, candied fruit and beeswax with great age. A patient maturation suits the rich, fruity Strathisla character. 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.

Undiluted at 53.5%, it is layered. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under a honeyed, creamy fruitiness. A dried fruit and a gentle oak spice give it depth. Dried fruit and honey see out a long finish. This is a fruity, full bodied Speysider from Keith.