One of these semi-official Strathisla bottlings by Gordon & MacPhail, bottled at 21 years. The label mentions the fact that it’s the oldest Highland malt distillery in Scotland.
Strathisla 21 yo (40%, G&M +/- 1985)
Strathisla 21 yo (40%, G&M +/- 1985)Nose: aromatic sherry nose, but actually not too dark and heavy. Quite fruity with banana flambéed, blackberry and cherry jams. Candy sugar. Something vaguely tropical after a while (papaya) and floral hints. Also quite some beehive notes (wax and honeys). Excellent balance.
Mouth: again just medium sherried. The same jamminess for starters, quickly joined by malty notes and spices like ginger, pepper and cinnamon. Slightly more herbal and drying towards the end (leather, tobacco leaves).
Finish: medium long, warming, with spices and traces of raisins and coffee.
A classic example of good, juicy sherry. Although it may not be totally stellar, it is very well made in the old style of the 1960’s. Varying prices in auctions, between € 150 and € 350.
Score: 88/100