Scotland, Speyside: Single malt whisky through the producing distilleries: history, making, production and tasting notes
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Strathisla

Description of the whisky

The distillery

Strathisla distillerie
Strathisla Distillery
Keith,
Banffshire AB55 3BS
+44 1542 783 044
Owner: Pernod-Ricard
Creation date 1786

photos

The Strathisla distillery was founded by George Taylor and Alexander Milne under the name of Milltown Distillery in 1786.
The distillery was acquired in 1828 by William Lonmore, after having been the property of McDonalds, Ingram & Co.
A fire destroyed it in 1879.
Between 1870 and 1890, the distillery was temporarily called Strathisla, but it has been renamed Milton.
Its definitive "Strathisla" name dates from 1949, when it was taken over by James Barclay, from the Chivas Brothers group, which in 1949 was part of Seagrams, owned by Sam Bronfman.
Chivas Brothers came into being in 1858 as a provisions shop in King Street, Aberdeen, founded by brothers James and John Chivas from Overtown of Dudwick in Ellon, Aberdeenshire.
The distillery doubled its production capacity in 1965.
Strathisla is one of the most picturesque distilleries from Scotland.
On 15 June 1993, an unexpected visitor arrived from Louisville, Kentucky: a black and white cat who fell asleep between some bourbon casks traveling to Scotland. When the container was opened 4 weeks later, the cat came out, weaken by hunger and drunken by the hints of bourbon in the container. People at the distillery adopted it after the legal quarantine, and named it Dizzy. The cat got the job of mice hunter.
The distilleries from "The Chivas and Glenlivet Group", belonging to Seagram were acquired by the French group "Pernod-Ricard" on 19 December 2001.
The main part of the single malt is used in the blends Chivas Regal and Royal Salute.

Strathisla

12 years
Age
 12 years
Alcohol percentage
 43,0 %
Bottler
 Official
Cask
 Sherry
=25 euros=25 euros
links & average quote
 Forum 80/100
This malt is part of the "Heritage Selection" collection.
The colour is gold with amber glints, the nose is light and marked by the wood and sherry.
The palate is full and dry, but rather pleasant.
The finish, on fruit, is of an average length. A classical single malt, where the mouth dominates the nose.

(la Maison du Whisky)

One of the most beautifully distilleries of Scotland, settled in the very heart of Speyside. The single malt represents about 2% of the marketed spirits, and I did not expect such a great malt.
This whisky, not too expensive, is really excellent. A real must. Matured in sherry casks (I did not really detect sherry hints), the sweet and remarkably balanced whisky offers very pleasant honey hints, and the long finish prolongs the pleasure for minutes.
84/100
A rather sweet nose with some citrus hints, followed by a nice palate, dominated by a certain complex sweetness, allying honey with green apples and malt to red berries. A finish of average length, and strangely salted, a surprise after all that sweetness.
84/100

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Strathisla: independent bottlings

Strathisla

Taste Still 1967
Collection
 Taste Still Selection
Age
 38 years
Alcohol percentage
 44,5 %
Bottler
 Taste Still
Cask number
single cask 1893
Dates
 Distil: 1967 Bottling: 09-2006
Bottle
 158 btls
Particularity
 Non chillfiltered cask strength
=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros
links & average quote
 88/100
Strathisla 1967 Taste Still

A very clear nose, very fresh: cut grass, and a slight smell of plum. A very nice palate, extremely fresh, fruity, with a mix of exotic fruits, pineapple, banana, and a sweet malty background. Very few bitterness for a whisky having spent 40 years in a wooden cask. The finish is rather long, and parodoxically the expected woody hints expected in the mouth appear now, even if they remain discrete. A long development on moka or coffee notes.
88/100
What a nice nose. Very nice combination of smells perfectly balanced. Flowers, brewer's yeast, malt and a touch of grapefruit are just some of them. Spicy hints also.
The mouth is slightly down the nose, and very soon some woody/chocolate hints appear. From the first dry impression, the palate gets quickly oily. Very balanced and nuanced whole.
The finish is long and pleasant, with no hint of alcohol. Just malty happiness with discrete hints of walnut. The finish is paradoxically richer than the mouth was.
88/100
This great nose is just a bucket of flowers in the spring. Really marvellous, an explosion of smells mixing very expressive floral notes of spicy peppery ones. Hay on the background, a nice freshness and lots of complexity.
In the palate, the freshness remains as a dominant characteristic, just like the complexity. Some hints of cut grass and unripe fruit. A touch of cashew nut as well. An amazing mix of fruity freshness and slightly bitter notes.
Nice and lingering finish, marked by the smooth bitterness of the nuts.
Superb whisky.
88/100
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Strathisla

Auld Distillers collection 30 years
Collection
 Auld Distillers collection
Age
 30 years
Alcohol percentage
 61,1 %
Bottler
 Jack Wieber
Cask number
single cask 4222
Dates
 Distil: 1976 Bottling: 2006
Bottle
 100 btls
Particularity
 Non chillfiltered cask strength
=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros
links & average quote
 88/100
Strathisla Jack Wieber 30
The nose is nicely marked by vanilla and hints of humid wood. Very complex, it develops on vegetal mentholated notes, with hints of green apple. The mouth is pleasant and marked by woody bitterness, before developing on chocolate hints ant then on nice fruity notes. Despite the high percentage of alcohol, this whisky remains extraordinary smooth in the palate. The finish is long and remarkably smooth to, if one considers the alcohol percentage. This bottling is a complete success..
88/100
The nose is both peppery and sweet. A kind of spicy fruit cake. Very nice impression, rather complex and well build with a very interesting balance between the malty smoothness and very nice fruity notes. All this besides the clear sherry notes.
In the palate, the first impression is some citrus acidity. Then both woody and clearly acid hints follow, a real firework of tastes, very interesting contrasts. A delightful impression, a perfect marriage of fruits, wood and freshness.
The finish is of the same quality as the nose and the mouth. Nice length, perfect balance between notes which first seemed to be really contradictory.
88/100
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Strathisla

Auld Distillers Collection, 34 years
Collection
 Auld Distillers collection
Age
 34 years
Alcohol percentage
 56,3 %
Bottler
 Jack Wieber
Dates
 Distil: 1969 Bottling: 2003
Bottle
 170 btls
Particularity
 Non chillfiltered cask strength
=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros
links & average quote
 88/100
Strathisla 34 ans Jack Wieber
The nose is clearly marked by sherry with very pleasant and rather complex hints of malt and toffee. In the palate a wonderful impression of very fine wood, a nice complexity swinging between nutty hints and a fresher slight acidity. The finish is amazingly long. Very nice, both smooth and full of character, a light woody bitterness and some memories of sherry. This bottle is remarkable for its balance and complexity.
88/100
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Strathisla

1967, Gordon&MacPhail
Collection
 Rare Vintage Range
Age
 No age statement
Alcohol percentage
 40,0 %
Bottler
 Gordon & MacPhail
Dates
 Distil: 1967 Bottling: 2004
=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros
links & average quote
 84/100
Strathisla 1967 Gordon & MacPhail
A nice sherryish nose followed by rich fruity hints. Plum, touches of coffee and sherry...
The palate is a delicious mix of sherry, slightly woody notes with discrete metallic hints, in alcohol marinated plum.
The finish is sherry again, but also fruit. It is unfortunately a bit too short.
84/100
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Strathisla

40 years old
Collection
 Rare Vintage Range
Age
 40 years
Alcohol percentage
 40,0 %
Bottler
 Gordon & MacPhail
=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros
links & average quote
 93/100
Strathisla 40
This nose is simply great. An impressive smoothness with the right proportion of nutty bitterness and just enough character to be really very very pleasant. Some nice touches of sherry and pudding hints.
In the palate, a very nice contrast between a light acidity and a woody bitterness (much more present than at the nosing) give this whisky an impressive complexity. It remains very smooth.
The finish is lingering and a very fine and pleasant woody hint is still present. Amazing how this woody character is not over dominant after so many years.
92/100
Color: Brown
An intense nose marked by sherry with all the pleasure offered by these wonderful notes that blend harmoniously with notes of chocolate, plum jam, hazelnut and this discreet touch of citrus acidity.
The mouth is phenomenal. The complexity of this whiskey is revealed immediately. A true liquid happiness . Smooth and full of nuances, the papillae spend a lot of tastes in review, a pleasant blend of bitter nice fruity notes and chocolate. All in perfect harmony.
Final of a very good length. The complexity of the mouth is found here as well. Just happiness.
93/100
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Strathisla

Old Malt Cask, 28 years
Collection
 Old malt cask
Age
 28 years
Alcohol percentage
 50,0 %
Bottler
 Douglas Laing
Cask number
single cask 375
Dates
 Distil: 11/1975 Bottling: 01/2004
Bottle
 222 btls
=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros
links & average quote
 88/100
Strathisla Old Malt Cask
Very nice nose subtly balanced between floral fragrances and the smoothness of yellow fruits. Nice malty hints. Superb balance.
The mouth is pleasantly balanced between peach smoothness and walnut hints. Really extremely pleasant sensation and nice complexity.
The finish is long and the contrast between smoothness and bitterness prolong the pleasure for long minutes.
88/100
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Strathisla

Daily Dram: Astral Hits, 40 years
Collection
 Daily Dram
Age
 40 years
Alcohol percentage
 47,2 %
Bottler
 Bresser&Timmer / The Nectar
Cask number
single cask 1532
Dates
 Distil: 1967 Bottling: 2007
Bottle
 132 btls
Particularity
 Non chillfiltered cask strength
=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros
links & average quote
 0/100
Strathisla Astral Hits
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Strathisla: samples

Strathisla

18 years
Age
 18 years
Alcohol percentage
 63,5 %
Bottler
 Clydesdale
Particularity
 Non chillfiltered cask strength
=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros
links & average quote
 79/100
Strathisla Clydesdale 18
The nose detects a high level of alcohol and despite some tingling, very nice fruity notes give this whisky an exceptional freshness. Pepper and spices complete the nose impressions.
In the palate, some pleasant fruity acidity and here, no hinder of the high alcohol percentage, We would have liked some more fantasy, specially after the promising nose. However, this remains quite a good whisky.
The finish is fresh and not too long, with some fruity hints.
79/100
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Strathisla

1970, Joint bottling The Whisky Agency - Malts of Scotland
Age
 40 years
Alcohol percentage
 59,6 %
Bottler
 The Whisky Agency
Cask
 Dark Aloroso hogshead
Particularity
 Non chillfiltered cask strength
=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros
links & average quote
 Forum 90/100

Color: Mahogany
The nose is aggressive, even after several minutes of aeration. Solvent odors seem to dominate rather complex fruity notes. Sherry is undoubtedly present. The whole is extremely pleasant. Too bad that this nose continues to be pungent, preventing underlying smells be fully revealed.
Alcohol is present in the mouth too, but the complexity is more developed than it was at the nosing. Some woody notes, but not too much, just enough to be nice and not intrusive. A big blast of sherry, chocolate, a remarkable presence in the mouth. The mouth is relatively dry and yet extremely enjoyable.
The finish is long and warm. It keeps the memory of the drought in the mouth, but this is largely compensated by the aromas of sherry and which are overwhelmingly present with you for long minutes.
90/100
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Strathisla: not in collection

Strathisla

25 years
Age
 No age statement
Alcohol percentage
 43 %
Bottler
 Gordon & MacPhail
links & average quote
 90/100

Comment by
Henrik Johansson

Date of tasting: 29/5 2009 (SWS tasting)
Apperance: Light copper. Noticeably cloudy
Nose: Light woody cask hints. Fresh oranges, a littly acetone and light vomit. With water it becomes quite peppery.
Body: Full
Palate: Fizzy! Very smooth and full bodied. Starts quite perfumed, very dry in the middle and the finish is very sherried. Long.

 90/100

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Strathisla

1987
Age
 No age statement
Alcohol percentage
 40 %
Bottler
 Gordon & MacPhail
links & average quote
 79/100
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Strathisla

Un chillfiltered collection 1987
Collection
 Un-chillfiltered Collection
Age
 17 years
Alcohol percentage
 46 %
Bottler
 Signatory
Cask
 hogshead
Cask number
single cask 2372
Dates
 Distil: 1987 Bottling: 2005
Bottle
 324 btls
links & average quote
 BT2005 74/100
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Strathisla

Strathisla-Glenlivet
Age
 19 years
Alcohol percentage
 59,5 %
Bottler
 Cadenhead
Cask
 Bourbon Hogshead
Dates
 Distil: 1987 Bottling: 09-2006
Bottle
 264 btls
Particularity
 Non chillfiltered cask strength
links & average quote
 85/100
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Strathisla

un-chillfiltered colletion 18 years
Collection
 Un-chillfiltered Collection
Age
 18 years
Alcohol percentage
 46 %
Bottler
 Signatory
Cask
 Hogshead
Cask number
single cask 2378
Bottle
 127 of 281 btls
Particularity
 Non chillfiltered
links & average quote
 81/100
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Strathisla

1954
Age
 No age statement
Alcohol percentage
 40 %
Bottler
 Gordon & MacPhail
links & average quote
 87/100
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Strathisla

35 anniversaire Bar Metro
Age
 35 years
Alcohol percentage
 54,3 %
Bottler
 Gordon & MacPhail
Dates
 Distil. 1967 - Bottling 2003
=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros
see: BT2010
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Strathisla

40 years old, for La Maison du Whisky
Age
 40 years
Alcohol percentage
 50 %
Bottler
 Gordon & MacPhail
Cask number
single cask 6112
Dates
 Distil: 1967 Bottling: 2007
links & average quote
 Forum 92/100
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Strathisla

58.13
Age
 34 years
Alcohol percentage
 50,3 %
Bottler
 SMWS
Dates
 Distil: 04-1973 Bottling: 01-2008
links & average quote
 Forum 93/100
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Strathisla

48 years, Book of Kells
Collection
 Book of Kells
Age
 48 years
Alcohol percentage
 51,8 %
Bottler
 Gordon & MacPhail
Cask
 First fill sherry
Cask number
single cask 576
Dates
 Distil: 1963 Bottling: 2011
Particularity
 Non chillfiltered cask strength
=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros=25 euros
links & average quote
 Forum 94/100
Strathisla 48
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Strathisla

1960/2009
Collection
 for La Maison du Whisky
Age
 No age statement
Alcohol percentage
 50 %
Bottler
 Gordon & MacPhail
Cask
 First fill Sherry hogshead
Cask number
single cask 2548
Dates
 Distil: 1960 Bottling: 2009
Bottle
 177 btls
links & average quote
 88/100
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Speyside

Speyside Map

The Speyside area is situated at the North of the Cairngorm mountain and goes to the Moray firth. It is delimited by two rivers: the Findhorn at the West side and the Deveron on the East side.
The area is named after the river Spey. Most of the distilleries take their water in one of its affluents; the Fiddich, the Livet or the Avon.
About sixty distilleries from Speyside are described on this site.

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Click on the map for a list of the distilleries of the area, on the title for further information
about the Speyside area, and if you want to make an "alphabetical journey" through the area, please
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