Whisky Focus - Gordon & MacPhail Distillery Labels Strathisla 2005 Review

Review of Gordon & MacPhail Distillery Labels Strathisla 2005.

Gordon & MacPhail Distillery Labels Strathisla 2005 was matured in First Fill Sherry Hogshead casks and bottled on the 16th December 2015 at 43% ABV.

In partnership with each respective distillery, all whiskies in Gordon & MacPhail's Distillery Labels range are uniquely labelled. In years gone by many of these unique designs were used ‘officially’ to bottle the whisky under license from the distillery. Today these trusted relationships with distillers enables Gordon & MacPhail to bottle whiskies at various ages, strengths and vintages - all with their unique distillery label including this Strathisla 2005 Speyside single malt whisky.

William Morrison's Tasting Notes:

Nose:  Creamy vanilla toffee, touch of zesty lemon, a little floral.

Taste: Creamy toffee leads, the toffee turns to coffee, a welcome burst of burnt raisins, lemon zest and a little cinnamon followed by creamy vanilla reminding us of the oak.

Finish: Cocoa, vanilla, toffee, some lingering orange. Mild and slightly drying slowly fading mild sherry oak.

Comment: I was expecting a more in your face sherried dram with it maturing in first fill sherry hogshead casks, it has obviously been a more delicate creamy sherry cask. Still a good sherried dram if you like some sweet creamy toffee with your whisky.

SMW Score 84/100

You can find the full current Gordon & MacPhail whisky range available from specialist whisky retailers such as Master of Malt

As part of the the ongoing series of reviews here on the SMW website highlighting Gordon & MacPhail's philosophy of  ‘The Wood Makes the Whisky’ I have reviewed a number of single malt whiskies from Gordon & MacPhail's whisky Collections: Connoisseurs Choice, The MacPhail’s Collection and Rare Vintage, which demonstrate their philosophy of "The Wood Makes The Whisky".

Recently added Gordon & MacPhail whisky reviews:

• Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Glen Spey 2004 Review
   
• Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Inchgower 2002 Review
   
• Gordon & MacPhail Distillery Labels Strathisla 2005 Review
   
• Gordon & MacPhail Cask Strength Caol Ila 2005 Review

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