Strathisla 35 Year Old 1985 (Cask 1482) Private Collection (Gordon & Macphail)

About The Brand: Strathisla

The Scottish Highlands' Strathisla Distillery is the region's oldest distillery still in operation. George Taylor and Alexander Milne established it as the Milltown Distillery in 1786 as a substitute for the declining flax dressing business. The Earl of Seafield granted them a lease on the property. William Longmore, subsequently known as William Longmore Ltd., controlled the distillery by 1830. The distillery was severely damaged by fire in 1879, but it was rebuilt with a bottling facility. It was purchased by dishonest businessman Jay Pomeroy in 1940, and James Barclay of Chivas Bros. afterwards bought it. The Speyside Cooperage, a historic distillery (Dallas Dhu, now a museum), and seven active Speyside distilleries are all part of Scotland's Malt Whisky Trail. Visitors may take a tour of the 'traditional storehouse where the single malts that make up the premium and super premium blends are housed [and] give a rich, nutty, balanced whiskey,' according to a BBC report.