The color of this Strathisla, a first fill sherry cask, is marvelous. Mahogany. It needs to breath. The nose comes after a few minutes. In my armchair, it makes me feel good. Only fire balls or punches would distract me. The mellowness of the nose with hints of cedar, spices and dried fruits is conterbalanced by the dryness of the palate, which is also acidulous. Not a glimpse of heaviness in this sherry. I would give it a mark of 93 out of 100 (Nose : 48 / Palate : 45). Indeed, the finish is a bit disappointing and slightly dry. On the other hand, an empty glass shows that it has great welfare. Stephane, a lover of sherry casks, expressed his contentment many time during the evening.

My absolute favorite Strathisla whisky is the 1965 vintage, aged in a second fill sherry cask we bottled last year by chance (150 bottles sold in a month time). I prefered the latter and I wouldn't hesitate in giving it a mark of 96/100. I also recommend that you try the 1967 vintage, bottled at 40% (G&M). For lovers of powerful, woody, great sherry casks, the Strathisla 1955 Private Collection G&M, it would please you (I like it less, only 1 cl and I surrender) if you can still find a bottle. The only trouble is the very high price.

Texte original : Thierry Benitah, traduction : Corinne Pénisson