Whisky Review/Tasting: Strathisla 1965 Gordon MacPhail

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Strathisla Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation Year: 1965.
Bottling Year: 2015, making it a 50-year-old whisky.
ABV: 43%.
Maturation: Matured in refill casks, likely sherry casks made from European oak, contributing to its flavor profile and color.
Color: Dark, brownish-reddish, attributed to pigments from the sherry wine and oxidized wood sugars.
Bottle Design: The specific design isn't detailed, but the bottle contains a description of the whisky's characteristics and historical notes about the distillery.

Nose: Sweet, with hints of beeswax, ripe gooseberries, and anise seeds.
Palate: Creamy texture with flavors of toffee, ripe summer fruits, and a subtle hint of charred wood. The oakiness is dominant, presenting a strong European oak spiciness without alcoholic sharpness.
Finish: Long-lasting with a spiciness that gradually gives way to a lingering sweetness and fruitiness. The beeswax note persists throughout.

Distillery History: Strathisla, founded in 1786, was originally known as Milton Distillery. It was named after the nearby Milton Castle. The whisky was initially called Scylla, which eventually became the distillery's name.
Anecdotes: The reviewer, Horst Luening, shares personal memories triggered by the whisky's flavor profile, such as childhood memories of picking gooseberries and the scent of beeswax candles during Christmas.

Strathisla Distillery is one of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland, with its establishment in the 18th century contributing to its rich heritage and significance in the Scotch whisky industry.

"Those old whiskies typically have a massive influence from the wood they matured in."
"It's really dark. It carries all the pigments from the sherry wine as well as the pigments from the oxidized wood sugars."
"The oak is dominant, European oak spiciness, extremely strong and spicy on your tongue but no alcoholic sharpness."
"The price from Gordon MacPhail for those old bottles is rising from delivery to delivery."

Strathisla 1965 Gordon MacPhail is a 50-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, characterized by its dark color and complex flavor profile dominated by oakiness and spiciness from European oak sherry casks.
The whisky offers a creamy texture with notes of toffee, ripe summer fruits, beeswax, and a subtle hint of charred wood, with a long-lasting finish that balances spiciness with sweetness and fruitiness.
The distillery's rich history, dating back to the 18th century, and the personal anecdotes shared by the reviewer add depth to the tasting experience.
The increasing rarity and price of such aged whiskies highlight their value and desirability among collectors and enthusiasts.

Whisky Collectors: Given its age, rarity, and the increasing value, this whisky is highly recommended for collectors seeking to add a prestigious bottle to their collection.
Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a palate for aged, oak-dominant whiskies will appreciate the complexity and depth of flavors.
History and Culture Buffs: Individuals interested in the historical and cultural significance of Scotch whisky might find the backstory of Strathisla and its evolution intriguing.
Special Occasion Sippers: Given its price and rarity, this whisky is suited for special occasions or as a gift for a significant milestone.