Strathisla The Distillery Reserve Collection 15 Years Old 2003

An official Strathisla single malt, a 15 year old release from 2003, drawn from cask 36910 and bottled at 56.4%. Only 960 bottles were released. Set in Keith, in the heart of Speyside, Strathisla has distilled since 1786. Water comes from the Broomhill Spring, the distillery set on the River Isla at Keith.

It was drawn off the distillery's short copper stills, for a fruity, honeyed spirit with real weight. An Oloroso sherry cask wrapped the rich spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper orchard fruit. Long, gentle maturation turns the orchard fruit towards honey and almond. 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.

At its natural 56.4% it is rich and fruity. Raisin, date and a nutty sherry depth build, and a gentle vanilla and cream from the wood runs under a honeyed, creamy fruitiness. A dried fruit and a gentle oak spice give it depth. A warming, fruity finish lingers. This is a fruity, full bodied Speysider from Keith.