Strathisla 8 yo Gordon & MacPhail 100 proof 57%

Strathisla 8 yo Gordon & MacPhail 100 proof 57%

It’s a mystery to me why some whiskies are upfront and approachable at 60+% but others are so locked in at 46%. This one is not exactly locked in but needs a drop or several of encouragement. Newly opened chocolate box, rusty iron implements, some middle eastern fig and walnut treat, a bit of honey, touches of grimy earth, sprinkles of clove and cinnamon and a touch of beef bouillon cubes. Very antique. Nothing monolithic here though, in fact its a rather delicate and transparent. Mostly second or third fill old sherry butts I think. It goes on with dusty spicy rye and museli with raisins. On the tongue it starts to coalesce and the sweet, dry and rich elements of the sherry finally pulls together with a nice firm maltiness. 87 pts