Strathisla 56 Years Old 1957 Cask #1719 (G&M)

A Strathisla single malt, selected and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, a 56 year old from 1957, drawn from cask 1719 and bottled at 43%. A release of 364 bottles. Strathisla, founded in 1786 in the old town of Keith on Speyside, is the home of Chivas Regal. Strathisla is the fruity heart of Chivas Regal, owned by Chivas Brothers since 1950.

The spirit was made in small copper onion stills for a full bodied spirit, for a rich, fruity make of real depth. Ex-Sherry wood suited the full make, adding a dried fruit richness. At forty years and more it is rich and waxy, tropical fruit, honey and old oak in a profound old malt. Dunnage warehousing on site gives a slow, humid maturation. Scarce as an official bottling, Strathisla was long bottled mainly by Gordon and MacPhail. The distillery has stood by the Isla since the reign of George III.

At 43% it is smooth and honeyed. The Oloroso gives dried fruit and a warm nuttiness, and vanilla and a creamy note from the barrel, with pear, honey and a buttery malt. The texture is rich and creamy, the fruit lifted by honey. The finish is deep, waxy and fruity. This is a rich, honeyed Speyside single malt.