Strathisla 1969 / 2012 (G&M)

Strathisla 1969 / 2012 (G&M), ~43 YO, 43 %

It is very rare that I get to taste a whisky distilled the year I was born. I have now had the pleasure of tasting the Strathisla 1969 / 2012 from independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail.

This whisky has been matured in refill sherry butt and American hogshead. I do not know how many casks or how many bottles; but at least two casks then.

You can still buy the Strathisla 1969 / 2012 (G&M) in Norway at NOK 15877 (3991101).

Nose: Cigar boxes, incense, sandal wood, and old wooden crates that have been used to store ripe oranges. Raisins and figs. With time also nuts and more citrus. Hints of oakiness and burnt caramel.

Taste: Medium body and very dry in character. Massively tannic. It takes a bit to get past the sheer oakiness. Then nuts, bitter oranges and dried fruits. Furniture polish and leather.

Finish: Long finish. Even drier now. Still very tannic in character. The fruitiness is perhaps more bitter now - grapefruit and bitter orange marmalade. Hints of chocolate, ginger, and dried herbs.

Comment: Refined, delicate, and actually a bit too old for me.

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas