Strathisla 51 Years Old 1960 Licensed Bottling (G&M)

This is a Strathisla single malt, chosen and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, aged 51 year old from 1960 and bottled at 43%. Set in Keith, on the River Isla in Speyside, Strathisla has distilled since 1786. It is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands.

It was worked through short pot stills for a rich, fruity make, for the rich, fruity Speyside make Strathisla is known for. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the fruity character to the fore. Decades leave it deep and oxidative, candied fruit and beeswax with great age. Years in oak round the spirit, the honey and dried fruit deepening with age. 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. The make leans rich and fruity, fuller than the lighter Speyside style.

At 43% it is clean and fruity. A rich, fruity sweetness meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Beneath it run honey, pear and a soft spice. The close is warm, fruit over soft oak. This is the fruity Speyside heart of Chivas Regal.