Strathisla

Introduction:

Strathisla is a highly regarded distillery located in the Speyside region of Scotland. It is famous for its visually stunning location, nestled among rolling hills and featuring beautiful gardens that are often compared to those seen at the Royal Chelsea Flower Show. While the distillery does offer a range of official bottlings, they are released sporadically rather than as a consistent lineup. Some of their past releases include a 10 – year – old, 14 – year – old, 15 – year – old, 16 – year – old, and 18 – year – old expression. They also have a rectangular-shaped bottle containing a 12 – year – old Single Malt, which has been available since 1995.

The distillery has been a favorite among independent bottlers, particularly Gordon & MacPhail, who have released over 40 different bottlings of Strathisla. These bottlings cover a wide range of vintages, including rare and expensive offerings from the 1950s to the 1960s. Other independent bottlers, such as Duncan Taylor, Douglas Laing, and Signatory Vintage, have also released Strathisla expressions over the years.

In addition to its Single Malt production, Strathisla plays a significant role in the creation of Chivas Regal Blends. The distillery proudly identifies itself as the “Home of Chivas”.

The Production:

Strathisla sources its water from the Fons Bullen Well, which is located near the parking lot and is highly regarded for its exceptional quality. The water from this well is completely free of peat, resulting in a smooth and clean whisky. According to local legends, the well is said to be inhabited by Kelpies, shape – shifting spirits that can appear as horses or humans. Despite these mythical beings, the water remains clear and perfect for whisky production. The distillery has a production capacity of 2.4 million liters of whisky per year.

The Pot Stills:

Strathisla employs two sets of pot stills: two wash stills and two spirit stills. The wash stills have a capacity of 12,500 liters each, while the spirit stills can hold up to 8,500 liters. These pot stills are distinctively short and squat in shape, with shorter necks compared to traditional pot stills. This design maximizes contact between the spirit and the copper surfaces, contributing to the flavor and character of the whisky produced.

The Maltings:

At Strathisla, the malt used in production is predominantly unpeated. Historically, the distillery utilized its own malting floors until 1950. However, since being acquired by Chivas Brothers, the malt is now sourced from their industrial maltings.

The Warehouse:

Strathisla boasts both dunnage and racked warehouses for the maturation of its Single Malt whisky. These warehouses accommodate a combination of oak and Sherry casks, imparting distinct flavors and characteristics during the aging process.

The History:

Strathisla holds the prestigious title of being the oldest continuously operational distillery in Scotland. Its origins date back to 1786 when it was originally established as Milltown distillery. The founders, George Taylor and Alexander Milne, ventured into whisky production after their success in the flax dressing industry. The distillery was built on land leased from the Earl of Seafield.

The early years of Strathisla were not without challenges. In 1876, a devastating fire badly damaged the distillery, followed by an explosion in the malt mill in 1879. However, under the leadership of William Longmore, who succeeded George Taylor, Strathisla flourished. The distillery underwent several name changes, initially to Strathisla in 1870, then to Milton in 1890, and finally reverting back to Strathisla in 1951.

Strathisla faced temporary suspensions during the First World War due to barley restrictions. The Great Depression and Prohibition also had a significant impact on the whisky industry, but Strathisla managed to survive these challenging times.

In 1950, the Chivas Brothers purchased the distillery at a compulsory auction for £71,000, a considerable sum at the time. The site was reconstructed, and the distillery regained its original name, Strathisla. In 1965, to meet growing demand, the number of stills at the distillery was increased from two to four. Despite changes in ownership, Strathisla has remained under the control of the Chivas Brothers and continued to prosper. Even after Pernod Ricard acquired the Chivas Group in 2001, they allowed the Chivas Brothers to retain ownership of the distillery. Today, Strathisla is considered the operational and spiritual heart of the Chivas brand.

Visitor’s Centre:

Strathisla’s visitor’s centre is a notable attraction, often described as a “Chivas Disneyland”. It offers self-guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the distillery and its surroundings at their own pace. The centre also features an extensive gift shop where guests can purchase Strathisla whiskies and related merchandise. Additionally, there is a museum that provides insights into the rich distillation history of the area and the distillery itself.

Visitor information:

Strathisla Distillery
Seafield Avenue
Keith
AB55 5BS
Tel.: +44 (0)1542-783044