Strathisla 11 Year

In my latest visit to Strathisla Distillery, a place i truly love, i found an 11 year old distillery exclusive expression, that was a complete enigma for me. On the nose, lots of dried fruits. Almonds, nutmeg, hazelnut, floral. Very nutty. Vanilla & almonds. Nougat. The palate is mostly floral. Plant roots, wet roses, almonds. Aftertaste is grassy. A ginger explosion; recently cut grass. Overall this was a very enjoyable, a little straightforward whisky, that came at a nice 48%abv strength. My score for it is 88 over a 100.

Nose: Soft vanilla, stone fruits and floral aromas (particularly honeysuckle). Palate: Sweet arrival with honey and red apple. The core of the palate is fruity and cereal. The development is moderate and mainly brings more sweet malt into focus but there is a slightly papery, cellulose flavour that unsettles the balance. The texture is good with a creamy, buttery quality. Finish: Medium. Sweet cereal and vanilla turning slightly sour, but a taste of honey persists. Strathisla has always been a little hidden as a single malt, which is a pity. The distillery is promoted as the “Home of Chivas Regal” and most of its production goes into Chivas blends, but they do sell special release distillery door single malts and IBs occasionally release a Strathisla expression. The primary OB for a long time was a very pleasant 12 year old, however that was withdrawn a few years ago. Happily, this 11 year old is due for wide release later this year but while it is very similar to the old 12 year, it’s not quite the same. There is a fraction less intensity to the profile, it seems less “honeyed”, and I detected an elusive papery, cardboard note on the palate. I believe it is all bourbon matured whereas the old 12 year had some sherry cask in the recipe. Still, it will be good to see an entry-level Strathisla back on the shelves. “Above Average” : 82/100 (3.25 stars)