| 
Seafield Avenue Keith
Aberdeenshire AB55 3BS Scotland
Tel: +44 (0) 1542 783 044 / Fax: +44 (0)1542 783 039
Viewer's Comments about Strathisla
 The
Strathisla Distillery's origins date back to 1786, when two
local entrepreneurs set up a small distilling business close
to Milton Castle. The demand for the whisky continued to grow
after its purchase in 1828 by William Longmore, one of Keith's
greatest benefactors. Strathisla is the Scottish Highlands’
oldest working distillery.
The Distillery is located on the banks of the River Isla in
Keith, the centre of the whisky distilling industry for over
two centuries, renowned for its "holy wells" and
natural springs, on the edge of Moray and Banffshire’s
fertile barley-growing regions.
Although Strathisla has changed ownership over the years,
it has retained its traditional character, continuing to command
a loyal and enthusiastic following of its "Strathisla
Old Highland Malt Whisky." It is currently owned by Groupe
Pernod Ricard.
Strathisla Stills |
Strathisla single malt Scotch whisky has a long-established
reputation as a distinguished dram, prized by the industry
as the ‘connoisseur’s best kept secret’.
For over two centuries it has been sold as a single malt
Scotch whisky. It was acclaimed from an early stage, being
awarded an Honourable Mention for Old Highland Malt Whisky
in 1886, at the Edinburgh International. Its distinctive
mellow, honeyed flavour is at the heart of the blend in
the world-famous Chivas Regal
premium Scotch whisky.
Strathisla's key market is Scotland and its product range
is the Strathisla Old Highland Malt Whisky 12 Year Old.
Independent bottlings are availble.
Courtesy of The Strathisla Distillery |
Nose: Fragrant with
citrus (orange peel), flowers (freesia), spice, and
a hint of cream-filled choux pastry. Juicy! Water
pulls out more weighty malty notes.
Palate: Lovely mid-weight
malt that's softer than the nose initially suggests.
Great momentum in the mouth with cranachan, soft baked
fruits, fruit cake, syrup, apricot and malt. It dances
on the tongue.
Finish: Bursts into
life.
Comment: Charming,
subtle and gorgeous.
Tasting Notes by Dave Broom |
Without Water
Nose: Sherry-wood,
hints of treacle and liquorice, some earthy charred
oak notes.
Palate: Rich sherry
wood character. Mulled fruits and Christmas pudding.
Hints of rum and raisin toffees.
With Water Nose:
A more floral character develops - lavender and pot
pourri. The sherry wood and fruit elements slowly
develop along with a sweet fudge note.
Palate: Sherry wood
with an earthy, spicy element. Hints of menthol and
eucalyptus. A subtle smoky note.
Body: Rich.
Finish: Charred oak
with floral elements.
Whisky Style: Strong
sherry character, interlaced with spices.
Tastings Notes by Gordon & MacPhail |
|
|
|
The Strathisla Distillery was restored to its former glory
after it was purchased in 1950 by Chivas Brothers, becoming
"The Home and Heart of Chivas Regal", the jewel
in the crown of Chivas Brothers’ family of malt whisky
distilleries. The Strathisla Distillery is now known as
Scotland’s most attractive distillery, offering visitors
a unique, self-guided tour of the buildings, to witness
every stage of whisky-making. It is also the most photographed
single malt distillery.
Opening Hours - Tours will resume on
April 6, 2009
However the shop is open year round 9:30am - 4pm
Monday thru Friday. Tours will be held throughout the day,
approximately 25 minutes apart. Hours will be from 9.30am
until the last tour at 4pm, Monday - Saturday. Sunday hours
are from noon until 4pm. Cost for tour is £5 and this
includes a taste of Chivas Regal 12 year old before the
tour and either Strathisla single malt or Chivas Regal 18
year old afterwards. Children under 8 are not allowed to
tour.
Tour & Distillery Centre Information
The tour consists of following the process through the distillery
and a visit to a traditional dunnage warehouse and a chance
to see some of the whiskies that find their way into Chivas
Regal. The approximate tour time is 45 minutes.
The fully stocked shop among other things gives the visitor
an opportunity to buy the Chivas Bros. cask Strength editions
from a selection of our distilleries including Strathisla,
these are only available at our visitor centre shops. The
shops also stock a wide range of the Chivas Brothers portfolio.
The shop is open year round Monday thru Friday from 9:30am
- 4pm.
Getting There
Keith is on the main trunk A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road.
The distillery lies in Seafield Avenue, directly off the
main road. It is a few minutes from the bus route and the
Keith Station.
Parking / Reception
Car park is tight and sloping, accross the road from the
distillery. The Reception is elegant and here you learn
that the tour is self-service, with help from the staff
and a guide book. Next to reception is the Isla room wher
you can sink into plush furnishings and enjoy coffee and
shortbread while you master the guide book.
Contact Us
Strathisla Distillery
Seafield Avenue Keith
Aberdeenshire AB55 3BS Scotland
Tel: +44 (0) 1542 783 044
Fax: +44 (0)1542 783 039
E-mail: The
Strathisla Distillery
Courtesy of The Strathisla Distillery |
|
