Strathisla Vintage 2009 G&M First Fill Sherry Single Cask Juuls 100th Anniversary 70 cl. 57,2%

A beast of a sherry-matured whisky, yet softened by the gentle touch of time, which has not bitten into this excellent Strathisla, but rather caressed it. It was selected from Gordon & MacPhail’s impressive warehouses for Juul’s Vin og Spiritus’ 100th anniversary.

Strathisla Distillery, located on the outskirts of Keith, is one of Scotland’s most beautiful distilleries and is often used as the backdrop for romantic Scottish advertising imagery. In fact, the distillery came close to becoming part of Gordon & MacPhail back in the early 1950s. The Urquhart family had long wished to own a distillery of their own, but lost the bidding to Chivas Brothers. It was not until 1993 that the family’s dream was realised with the acquisition of Benromach Distillery in Forres.

This whisky was distilled in 2009 and matured for 17 years in a first-fill sherry hogshead. It is, of course, bottled at cask strength: 57.2%.

Colour: Dark amber – almost mahogany.
Nose: Candied orange and soft English fruitcake coated in dark chocolate bring to mind the old S. Juul Vinhandel & Bodega, filled with wonderful colonial goods in the middle of a busy December Christmas trade.
Palate: The palate is packed with rich syrup caramel, cherry and raspberry jam, and cocoa powder. Towards the finish, a lovely note of smouldering herbs and heather emerges, along with dried flowers shedding pollen and old Cuban cigars.