Strathisla 24 Years 1992/2016 - Malts of Scotland
There are whiskies that you greet politely. And then there are those that walk through the door and immediately dominate the room – not through volume, but through pure, undeniable presence. The Strathisla 24 Years Old 1992/2016, bottled by Malts of Scotland at a powerful 56.2% ABV, definitely belongs to the second category. The Strathisla distillery in Keith, Speyside, may be known to many primarily as the heart of Chivas Regal, but independent bottlings like this reveal what the distillery is really capable of when given time – a lot of time. This malt was allowed to mature, philosophise, meditate and build complexity in its cask for 24 years. The result? A whisky that can be described as a "sturdy dog" – and that is definitely a compliment.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The composition begins waxy, almost like the interior of an old library, where leather and beeswax seal the shelves. Then a floral bouquet opens up, which seems surprisingly feminine for a self-proclaimed "sturdy male" – as if he were wearing a heart of wildflowers under his lumberjack shirt. The fragrance is not intrusive, not like an overzealous perfumery department, but subtle and sophisticated, like the discreet scent of a well-groomed gentleman of the old school. Forest honey covers it like a golden veil – not the industrially clarified supermarket honey, but that dark, resinous forest honey with personality and history. Vanilla joins in, but not as a soloist, rather as a member of an ensemble that knows when to step back. And then, the wood. Lots of wood. But not that young, aggressive oak that screams "I'm here!", but the dignified wood of old furniture, polished by decades. Apricot and pear dance on the edge, dried fruits that have exchanged their sweetness for velvety depth. And – oh yes – green tobacco. Not the smoky cigarette, but the fresh leaves in the drying barn, earthy and aromatic.
Palate
We noted it as "sparkling" – that electrifying tingle on the tongue that signifies life. Spicy, yes, but not one-dimensionally spicy. It's as if someone had knocked over a Michelin-starred chef's spice cabinet and then decided that the chaos was perfect. Full-bodied and oily, this whisky envelops the mouth like a well-fitting winter coat – protection and luxury at the same time. "Has power" is an understatement. It doesn't just have power, it IS power. But this power is never crude. The oak, oh that wonderful oak, presents itself in its most mature form – not bitter, not tannic, but wise and balanced. The complexity is what elevates this palate from good to extraordinary. While you are still trying to decipher the spice, the next wave of flavours has already built up. Fruit mingles with wood, sweetness with tartness, creaminess with precision. It's like reading a good novel – each page reveals new nuances without losing the thread.
Finish
He stays, takes a book from your shelf, sits down in your best armchair and makes himself comfortable. The soft oak – and here its true age shows – dominates, but with the gentleness of an old sage who imparts his lessons without raising his voice. A hint of iodine creeps in, unexpected for a Speysider, but welcome – a maritime whisper amidst the landlocked elegance. Garden herbs, perhaps thyme, perhaps sage, round off the finish, as if someone had wandered through a herb garden on the way out. The finish is not spectacular in the sense of fireworks and fanfare, but spectacular in its consistency and depth.
Thoughts
Marcel 96/100
This Strathisla 24 Years 1992/2016 is a true character – powerful, charming, and with a depth you don’t come across every day. It takes you on a journey full of spice, honey, and woody warmth, without ever feeling overpowering. A whisky for connoisseurs who want to fall in love from the very first sip.
Sascha 93/100
The complexity and harmonious interplay of mature oak, spicy notes, and subtle herbs make this Strathisla a technically impressive Speyside malt. Despite its robust 56.2% ABV, the whisky remains consistently balanced and structured, making it a demanding benchmark bottling for seasoned enthusiasts.
Value for Money: No rating
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
Benrinnes 21 Years Grand Crescendo - Diageo Special Releases 2024
Once again, the new Diageo Special Releases are here – this time under the name Grand Crescendo. As always, expectations are high, especially given the hefty price tag that accompanies these limited editions year after year. This time, the spotlight is on a 21-years Benrinnes from Speyside – a distillery cherished by insiders but rarely highlighted in such a prominent way. A good reason to take a closer look at this single malt.
89/100
Macallan 2004/2024 20 Years Speymalt - Gordon & MacPhail
Independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail provide a glimpse into the past, especially when it comes to iconic distilleries like Macallan. With the Speymalt 2004/2024, G&M presents a 20-years malt distilled at the Macallan distillery and matured in a sherry cask (No. 22606605). These casks are renowned for their complexity, and this whisky exemplifies the mastery of two decades of aging.
90/100
Glenfarclas 21 Years
There are moments in the life of a whisky lover when you stand in front of a glass and know that you will never experience this again. Glenfarclas 21 years is just such a moment - a whisky that is no longer produced and has therefore become a liquid time capsule. Like an old friend that you can only visit in memories.
82/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 24-year maturation influence the flavor of this Strathisla whisky?
The long 24-year maturation imparts a complex depth to the whisky, with soft oak, subtle notes of forest honey, dried fruits, and a hint of green tobacco. The flavors are well-balanced and mature, without any bitterness or excessive tannins.
What makes the Malts of Scotland bottling of this Strathisla special?
As an independent bottler, Malts of Scotland allows the character of the Strathisla distillery to be shown unadulterated and in its full complexity. With a high alcohol content of 56.2% ABV, the whisky remains powerful and multi-layered, something often toned down in standard releases.
Why is a hint of iodine noteworthy in a Speyside whisky like the Strathisla 24 Years?
Iodine notes are quite rare in Speyside whiskies, as this region typically features softer, sweeter profiles. The subtle iodine in the finish of this whisky adds an unexpected maritime touch, contributing extra complexity and depth.