Scotland, Speyside. Distillery operational. Owner: Pernod Ricard

Like Longmorn and Glen Grant, Strathisla was for a long time associated with the renowned independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail, whose bottlings released with the owners' consent were often confused with the distillery's own. It was also within their vaults that the character and aromatic profile of this first-class malt was forged. A generous and complex style characterized by first and second-fill sherry cask ageing which would become extremely popular among whisky enthusiasts. This identity was abundantly explored through the vintages offered by Gordon & MacPhail, the oldest of which dates back to 1937 (the “Licensed Bottling” white label and “Connoisseurs Choice” black label). In 2004, things changed. The distillery owner, the Chivas Brothers group (Pernod Ricard), took back control and began releasing small batch official bottlings of Strathisla in the ranges Cask Strength Edition and Distillery Reserve Collection.

Bottled in part (40%) by Gordon & Macphail in the 1990s, this Speyside single cask distilled in the 1960s at Strathisla then spent 30 years in sherry casks. This ultra-rare beverage was bottled from a single cask.
A tasting reveals a beautiful amber-coloured nectar. On the nose, this single cask expresses aromas of candied orange, apricot, honey and walnut. On the palate, a succession of leather and honey nuances are quickly dominated by red apple, which becomes increasingly present, before developing a hint of citrus fruit and a pinch of nutmeg. The finish is livened up by orange zest.
You’’ve guessed it, these complex aromas and flavours deserve to be appreciated for what they are worth, in a peaceful setting, because you have here in front of you a true sipping nectar for meditation and contemplation among seasoned enthusiasts.