Strathisla 59 Years Old 1953 Cask #1614 (G&M)

Gordon & MacPhail selected this Strathisla, aged 59 year old from 1953, drawn from cask 1614 and bottled at 43%. Strathisla was established in 1786 as the Milltown distillery in the Speyside town of Keith; it is the home of Chivas Regal. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make at its heart.

Distilled in short copper pot stills on Broomhill Spring water, giving the honeyed, full bodied spirit at its heart. Maturation in Oloroso sherry laid dried fruit over the honeyed malt. Decades leave it deep and oxidative, candied fruit and beeswax with great age. The full bodied new make carries cask character well across long 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. Short copper pot stills give the rich, full bodied make the distillery is known for.

Reduced to 43%, it is mellow. The Oloroso adds figgy dried fruit and a nutty edge, and the refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with honey, ripe pear and a nutty almond. The mouthfeel is buttery, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. Dried fruit and honey see out a long finish. This is the single malt of Scotland's prettiest distillery.