Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky Strathisla 12yo is highly-regarded by blenders and connoisseurs of its fruity sherried style. Strathisla (pronounce strath-eye-la) is one of Scotland's oldest malt whisky distilleries, having been founded in 1786. Whilst it is not the oldest (that particular honour goes to Glenturret, which opened in 1775), Strathisla is the longest continuous operating whisky distillery in Scotland - it has been in constant production since it was built. The colour is a dark amber and the nose is robust and fragrant. There is a mix of aromas - toffee, wood spices (think of cinnamon and nutmeg), cereal grains, dried fruits (imagine raisins, currants and candied orange peel) and some dark chocolate. On the palate, this is rich and full bodied with a slight oily feeling. It is again highly characterful, like the nose, and is dense, robust and silky. First comes some distinct cereal notes, plenty of dried fruits (raisins, currants and peel again) and caramel/toffee.