We discover one thing actually distinctive on our tasting desk right now: a Milton 1949. A landmark bottling.
The distillery generally known as Strathisla right now operated underneath the identify Milton (or Milltown) till 1951. At that time the distillery took the identify of its flagship whisky. Again then they have been independently owned, with out the direct involvement of blenders. That makes it fairly becoming for a family-owned firm like Gordon & MacPhail to launch this now.
Strathisla’s personal historical past goes again so far as 1786, when it began because the brewery of a neighborhood monastery. It’s the oldest working distillery within the Scottish Highlands. The identify of its spirit refers back to the river that runs beside it.
I’ve tried a Strathisla 1948 and even a Strathisla 1937 earlier than (each coming from G&M as nicely) however that is much more particular. Not solely is it the oldest Strathisla ever launched and definitely the final one to hold the identify Milton, additionally it is the final cask from the Nineteen Forties that was resting within the warehouses of Gordon & MacPhail.
Milton 72 yo 1949 (48,6%, Gordon & MacPhail ‘Non-public Assortment’ 2022, first fill sherry puncheon #383, 180 btl.)
Nostril: a ravishing mix of waxed papers, leather-based polish, polished brassware and evenly medicinal minty notes. Outdated dusty candles, in addition to some incense. Outdated books and chamomile tea. There’s a imprecise sweetness within the background, one thing in between dried banana and forest fruit jam. Hints of vanilla, light nutmeg and marmalade too. Miraculously contemporary, though it’s additionally very easy and delicate, and a lot of the sherry appears to have evaporated / advanced with time.
Mouth: it turns into extra oaky now, though the oak is silky and polished in a method that doesn’t stand in the best way of the spirit. Extra waxy notes, with fruity hints of stewed pear and yellow apple, in addition to vibrant citrus prime notes. Very delicate hints of Fino. Hints of library mud and walnuts. Just a little natural honey. Then numerous eucalyptus tea, menthol and natural cream. Whiffs of aromatic smoke ultimately.
End: not too lengthy, however fairly spherical, with hints of toffee, marmalade, natural tea and delicate smoke.
Chic whisky that reveals a rare freshness. Certainly one of a sort in a number of methods. It may be ordered from The Whisky Store or LMdW as an illustration.
