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Strathisla is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Speyside region and one of the oldest in Scotland. It was originally founded in 1786 under the name Milltown distillery in Keith. It was later renamed Milton before finally being given its current name, Strathisla. Located on the outskirts of Keith in Aberdeenshire in the heart of Scotland s Speyside region, Strathisla distillery takes its name from the River Isla, which flows close to the distillery.
The distillery itself is known for its exceptional beauty with its iconic double pagoda roofs, traditional stone buildings and old water wheel. It is often described as one of the most picturesque distilleries in Scotland.
In 1786, George Taylor and Alexander Milne founded the current distillery under the name Milltown or Milton, which was taken over by William Longmore in 1830 and is the oldest operating distillery in Speyside. In the 1870s, the distillery was renamed Strathisla. Around six years later, a fire broke out and damaged large parts of the distillery. The distillery was then renamed Milton in 1890. George Jay Pomeroy, owner of the distillery in 1949, was sent to prison for tax evasion, putting the distillery s existence in jeopardy. The company Chivas Brothers Ltd (then part of Seagram, now part of Pernod Ricard) took over the distillery after an auction in 1950, restored it extensively with great attention to detail and renamed it Strathisla again. This was mainly to ensure the supply of high quality malt whisky for their famous Chivas Regal blends. Since the acquisition, Strathisla has been the spiritual home and a core component (heart) of Chivas Regal blended Scotch whisky. Much of the production goes directly into these blends.
The water comes from the Broomhill Spring near the distillery. The distillery uses relatively small copper pot stills. It is believed that these small stills contribute to a richer, more complex and fruity distillate that is characteristic of Strathisla. The distillery has a mash tun (4.84 tons) made of stainless steel and eleven fermentation tuns (24,500 liters each) made of Douglas fir wood. The whisky is distilled in two wash stills, each with a downstream spirit still. Sherry and bourbon casks are used for storage and maturation.
Strathisla represents a very classic, rich and fruity Speyside whisky style, often with a clear influence of sherry casks. The taste of Strathisla is characterized by maturation in various casks, often with a significant proportion of sherry casks, and is rich and fruity on the nose. Aromas of ripe fruit (apples, pears), often dried fruit (raisins, dates) from the sherry cask influence with notes of honey, malt, oak spice, sometimes floral hints and a hint of nuts or marzipan. The taste is usually full-bodied, soft and round. A pleasant sweetness (honey, caramel, malt) combines with the fruity notes. A distinct oak spice (cinnamon, nutmeg) is present in old bottlings, but is usually well integrated. There are often also hints of nuts, toffee or dark chocolate. The whisky is typically not smoky (unpeated). The finish is medium to long, warming and smooth. The sweetness, fruitiness and spicy oak notes linger pleasantly.
The majority of Strahisla s malts are now used for the Chivas Royal and Royal Salute blended whiskies, there are few true original bottlings, the Gordon and MacPhail licensed bottlings are generally regarded as original bottlings and are of exceptional quality. Strathisla is a historically significant and beautiful distillery that produces a classic, rich and fruity Speyside single malt. Its principal role as the heart of Chivas Regal shapes its identity, but as a single malt it offers an approachable and enjoyable taste experience that is an excellent representation of the Speyside region.