Strathisla 12 Year (Old Bottle)

A fragrant, floral malt on the nose, with notes of violet, freesia, apricot, honeysuckle, and rich, sweet grain. It's a gentle, alluring aroma that encourages deep sips. The empty glass retains a strong honey scent with a trace of barrel char. The palate begins with a sweet, smooth taste of honey and cereal, reminiscent of a honey-sweetened breakfast cereal with cream and sliced apples. While not complex, prolonged swirling reveals deeper grain and malt flavors, like waffles and honey complementing the cereal. It consistently remains very sweet and accessible. The texture is pleasant, leaning towards neutral, creamy, and buttery rather than oily. The finish is moderate, featuring a smooth, soft blend of vanilla, malt, and fruit that gradually recedes into a peaceful calm. The lingering taste is distinctly sweet honey. This is an ideal whisky for winding down in the evening or for those new to single malts. It presents no difficulties but avoids being bland. It has character, but it's very refined and polite. I don't detect the caramel flavor many mention; for me, it's more about honey, but palates differ. Seek elsewhere if you desire a bold, assertive malt. This is a comforting dram to be savored slowly in a tranquil environment. It's exceptionally easy to drink and unobtrusive, with a slight similarity to Aberfeldy and Tomintoul. Despite my preference for intense cask-strength whiskies, this particular bottle will always be a fixture on my shelf. If you appreciate whisky flavors but find most malts too strong or fiery, give this a try – it might be precisely what you seek. Above Average: 82/100 (3.25 stars)

Nose: vanilla, citrus, caramel, floral, biscuit, cinnamon Palate: caramel, ginger, nutty Finish: medium, moderately spicy, nutty, caramel