Strathisla 12 Year Old

Strathisla 12 Year Old was suggested to us by one of the liquor store employees. She seemed like she knew what she was talking about and was telling us about a bar in New Brunswick that was maybe the best scotch bar in Canada and said that the people there really "knew their shit." I like it when people in stores use profanity so I decided to trust her.

The key selling points on this scotch are that its a 12 year old and reasonably priced at $51.99. It's a standard 40% alcohol bottling. Strangely, however, this is a 700ml bottle, as opposed to your usual 750ml.

The nose is full of fruit flavours, including orange zest, cherry, and dried fruits. There a tiny hint of bananas and an apple boarding on pear (Asian pear) scent mixed with a prevalent sultana aroma. The sweetness continues with caramel or sweet candy background. The sweetness of the nose has quite a range. Maybe there's even some sugary barley in this. Topped off with a salty air feel that seems to be common among Speyside scotches.

The Palate is nice and spicy but creamy as well. Cinnamon mixed with oak and a sweet creamy maltiness (does that even make sense?). Some nougat and underlying pear and apple (more pear than apple) in the background.

The finish starts hot and spicy (more cinnamon) with more sultana and sherry notes. Then there is a slow rise of almond that comes out bold and strong and then blends with a delicious flowing creamy flavour.

Overall a good purchase.