Strathisla 9 Years Old 2010 Single Cask Cask Strength (Hart Brothers)

Bottled by Hart Brothers, this Strathisla, a 9 year old release from 2010 and bottled at 53.8%. Strathisla was built in 1786 on the River Isla in Keith, on the River Isla in Speyside; it is the oldest continuously working distillery in the Highlands. Founded as the Milltown distillery, it took the Strathisla name in the 19th century.

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. Still young, the malt is honeyed and fruity with a creamy lift. Decades in oak build a waxy, honeyed depth over the fruity spirit. Water comes from the Broomhill Spring, the distillery set on the River Isla at Keith. 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 a hearty 53.8% it carries real weight. Orchard fruit and a creamy honey sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. A baked apple and a warm ginger lift it. Ripe pear and honey draw out the close. This is a rich Speyside malt from the home of Chivas.