I’ll be reviewing two 1967 Strathislas head-to-head. The first one is a 42 year-old Strathisla bottled earlier this year by the German Whisky Agency in their Fossils series. It was matured in a bourbon cask.

Strathisla 42yo 1967 (44,5%, Whisky Agency 2009, Fossils series, 120 btl.)

Nose: very elegant. A soft fruit salad (plums) with hints of almonds (marzipan). Walnuts and honey. Slightly leathery. After a while, it shows a ‘green’ edge, with hints of green pine cones or very unripe fruits. Fresh herbs. Impressive and uncommon at the same time. Mouth: big oakiness, over-infused tea, some spices and liquorice. A bit of menthol. The fruit is completely overtaken by the wood now, which is a shame. Finish: not too long, on spicy oak and tea again. A fairly dry end. 

Although Strathisla is known to take age better than usual, 42 years is still a lot. If you don’t mind the obvious oak, go for it. A lot to say after so many years, but certainly not perfect. Around € 200.

Score: 86/100