Strathisla 12 Year Single Malt Scotch

The Chivas name is dated, recognized by some of us—me, to be precise—from the days of shag carpeting and polyester.

Yet they have longevity on their side. And in 1950 they purchased the Strathisla distillery, using its product to blend into their Chivas Regal.

Fortunately, they allowed Strathisla 12 year single malt to remain. It breathes pale oak, clover honey, juice and chaff, backed by hints more difficult to discern—floral and tropical at the same time, with a touch of dry spice. The profile is typical of a Speyside malt. There’s little robust smoke or dense vanilla evident to the nose.

The aroma is unthreatening, certainly, but a little on the breezy side.

Honey and light wood come across on the palate, as well as lemongrass (perhaps a washed out peat residue) and a speck of clove-like spice in the finish—all evident on the nose.

It translates well across the senses, in other words, yet will leave malt enthusiasts with other regional predilections wanting.

The distillery sits on the Isla River and presumably draws its grain from the nearby fields of Moray and Banffshire. It ends up with a gentler, Lowlands appeal.

Strathisla is soft, smooth and easy to comprehend. It is billed as Scotland’s oldest producing distillery, but operates under the Chivas name, diluting the brand’s pedigree.

As an aged single it belongs in the everyday category.