In the very long list of Strathisla expressions by Gordon & MacPhail, we’re having a 1963 vintage, which were bottled in this form between +/- 2003 and 2011.
Strathisla 1963
(43%, Gordon & MacPhail 2009)
Nose: quite fruity and really elegant. A typical mixture of sherry notes (baked apple, raisins, prune jam) with typical rummy notes (green banana, a little Piña Colada). Juicy oranges. Hints of mint (or the mint sauce I’ve had on a quail’s breast in a Pintxos bar) and smoke, as well as some silky polished oak.
Mouth: smooth, less complex, a little less full-flavoured as well and definitely woodier. Oily with traces of sherry that are covered in oak. Not overly dry though. Soft banana notes. It’s more or less cornered: more alcohol would probably emphasise the woody bitterness, but in its current form it’s a tad weak. Orange peel and a hint of salt.
Finish: pretty long, again not too dry, showing oak spices, leather and dried fruits.
Looses a few points for the oak-driven palate, but it’s still a really nice example of the possibilities of old Strathisla. Around € 450 if you can still find it. Thanks Joeri.
Score: 90/100