Dram Review: Gordon & Macphail Strathisla Finest Highland Malt Whisky 15 Years Old 70° Proof

[70° Proof・15 Years Old・Distilled Circa Late 1950s-Early 1960s・Bottled Circa 1970s・Gordon & Macphail Bottling・Limited Release]

Nose:

The coconuts and hazelnuts add a creamy touch, mellowing out with the honey and Sherry wood with just a hint of citrus. A slight saltiness comes out of the oak and merges with cherry blossoms and raisins. In time notes of egg tart and burnt toast slowly ease out.

Palate & Finish:

Sublimely fruity with plenty of lychees coming from the Sherry wood, maple syrup swirled with honey and ink, with a drying sense of tannins moving in.

The syrupy delivery continues in the finish, a hint of traditional Chinese milk lollies wrapped in rice papers, the sweetened creaminess leaves a pretty impression.

Thoughts:

A blast from the past, late 1950s to early 1960s distillate aged in old school butts but playfully tasty instead of being one of those serious, monumental Sherried artefacts; close to scoring two stars..

☆ [Recommended]

-Nicholas