Strathmill 1st Fill Sherry Butt Finish - 30 Years Whisky.de 10 Years 2012/2023 | Whisky Review
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: The Strathmill Distillery is located in Keith, on the A96 from Aberdeen to Elgin, near the river Isla, in what is now known as Speyside, Scotland.
- Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
- Distillation and Maturation: Finished in a first-fill sherry butt, bottled by Signatory Vintage for Whisky.de's 30th anniversary. It is part of the unchill filtered collection, bottled at 46% ABV to prevent cloudiness.
- Age Statement: 10 years, distilled in September 2012 and bottled in March 2023.
- Color and Bottle Design: The whisky has a very dark tone, indicative of its sherry cask maturation. The bottle and label specifics were not detailed, but it is noted that the cask number is 13, and the bottle number is 188.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Balance of Flavors: This whisky combines the fruitiness from the sherry with the distillery's characteristic flavors, resulting in a friendly, sherry-laden, and full fruity profile without extreme oakiness or bitterness.
- Unique Characteristics: It has a light cooling note in the background, likely due to the 46% ABV. The flavor is described as astonishingly spicy, intense, mouthwatering, and friendly, with a roasted thermal note and a long, aromatic aftertaste.
Whisky Storytelling
- Distillery History: Strathmill was founded in 1823, became legal in 1891 when it got its name, and was formerly a mill, which provided an ideal environment for whisky production. The distillery was expanded in 1968 and now produces 2.2 million liters of pure alcohol per year.
- Selection Process: The whisky was selected by Whisky.de from samples provided by Signatory Vintage, chosen for its exceptional quality and flavor profile.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Speyside Heritage: The distillery's location in Speyside, a region renowned for its whisky production, and its history of being named after the local river Isla, highlight its deep-rooted connection to Scottish whisky culture and geography.
- Conversion from Mill to Distillery: The transformation of mills into distilleries in the late 19th century is a notable aspect of the whisky industry's history, with Strathmill serving as a prime example.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- "A wonderful whiskey... very friendly... astonishingly spicy, intense, mouthwatering, friendly, no bitterness, roasted thermal note. Long aftertaste. Still a little bit spicy. Aromatic." - Horst Luening
- "Signature Vintage, as always, they're doing a very good job." - Horst Luening
Summary
- Strathmill 1st Fill Sherry Butt Finish is a 10-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, celebrated for its sherry-laden, fruity profile without extreme oakiness or bitterness.
- Distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2023 by Signatory Vintage for Whisky.de's 30th anniversary.
- The whisky is characterized by its friendly, spicy, and intensely mouthwatering flavor, with a long, aromatic aftertaste.
- The distillery's history and conversion from a mill to a distillery are highlighted, emphasizing its significance in the Speyside region.
- Horst Luening praises the whisky's quality and the excellent job done by Signature Vintage.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- For Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: Individuals who appreciate the rich, fruity notes imparted by sherry cask maturation will find this whisky particularly enjoyable.
- For Whisky Collectors: The unique story and limited bottling make this a desirable addition to any collection.
- For Beginners: The friendly, non-bitter profile makes it an accessible choice for those new to whisky.
- For Speyside Lovers: Fans of Speyside whiskies will appreciate this whisky's characteristic regional flavors enhanced by the sherry finish.