Strathisla 26-year-old BW The Fine Art of Whisky

Online Tasting 30.10.2026 Blind 8 out of 18

Official Tasting Notes: For us, Strathisla is one of the absolute classics from Speyside. The older it seems, the better, but be warned. This isn't a first-fill sherry cask bottling like those often released by Gordon & MacPhail; this is a 26-year-old Strathisla from a refill American hogshead. The classic distillery character (floral, slightly bitter, and fruity) comes through beautifully. However, this single malt whisky is definitely not for beginners. You have to enjoy woody spice and take your time with the dram. It feels like it only really opens up after more than an hour in the glass. Then you will be treated to plenty of spice, preserved, light-fruited fruit, dark chocolate, acacia honey, caramel and creamy notes.

With its 26 years in refill American oak, natural cask strength and no finish, this Strathisla offers exactly the kind of basic data that appeals to me. The picturesque Speyside distillery is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in Scotland and the whisky is considered the lead malt in Chivas Regal blends. An important player, then - even if the distillery is often overshadowed by bigger names. I personally hold Strathisla in high regard, and not just since we bottled a splendid 30-year-old from 1976 with an impressive 61.1% ABV in the club as part of a cask sharing (—> WD10947). In the glass, our test sample appears in brilliant gold. The nose is dominated by blossom honey, candied lemon peel and the fresh note of light fruits. The taste surprises with a pleasantly oily mouthfeel, which is accompanied by rock candy, a hint of vanilla and the slightly dry note of mealy apples. On the palate, the oak spice takes the lead, but fortunately always remains spicy rather than bitter. The dominant spice, however, ensures that the malt tastes flatter and "duller" than the rather light, honey-accented nose would suggest. The hoped-for elegance is somewhat lost. The oak remains omnipresent in the medium-long aftertaste, accompanied by honey aromas and a mild, sweet spiciness. There are no real off notes here. More notes and reviews on Facebook: #Maltkanzlei

Anyone who has bought several bottlings from Marco knows that they are always very barrel-driven and the barrel can sometimes ruin the distillery character. Anyone expecting an old, dark first fill sherry malt like from the 1960s and 1970s will of course be disappointed. However, the refill hogshead has left behind a lot of aromas in 26 years. The highlight for me is the fruity, sweet nose; the taste is pleasing, while the finish is a little behind the nose. Overall, a successful bottling, especially if you like Strathisla and want something different in your glass.

Needs time to open, very fine, tannins accompany the enjoyment without exaggerating