WF’s Little Duos, today Strathisla


June 2, 2025

WF’s Little Duos, today Strathisla

The distillery itself is perhaps the most famous of all whisky distilleries in the world, thanks to its traditional charm – undeniable and frequently photographed. However, it's equally undeniable that its single malt production is becoming increasingly rare, or at least that’s the impression one gets.

Strathisla Distillery (Chivas Brothers)

It’s rather a pity, if you ask me. Fortunately, G&M are keeping a close eye on things, so to speak...

Strathisla 2009/2024 (46%, Gordon & MacPhail, Distillery Label)

I believe the foundation of this label, with its inimitable Victorian lettering, is better known than any official version, although it’s true it has always remained, shall we say, ‘semi-official’. In the past, we used to call them ‘licensed bottlings’. Colour: gold. Nose: bruised apples with a touch of wax polish, which seems fairly typical to me. Very pretty notes of fresh barley, some very, very lightly smoked tea, and rhubarb compote sweetened with honey. A rather charming antique side, one must admit. Mouth: lovely power, still on apples with a dash of lemon juice, then fig appears, both fresh and dried, along with very malt-rich beer, followed by heaps of multi-floral honey, with a clear dose of fir. In essence, mountain honey. Then some spiced touches, though nothing excessive, cinnamon rolls, clove-studded oranges, a trace of ginger... Finish: fairly long, remaining fresh, on oranges and honeyed apples then vanilla cream. Comments: very classic, with a ‘super-Chivas’ side that probably won’t surprise anyone.
SGP:551 - 85 points.

Strathisla 22 yo 2001/2023 (50.4%, The Whisky Blues, STR barrel, cask #28944, 191 bottles)

It is ex-STR but fear not! Lovely neo-naive label by Shingo Iwasa. Colour: light gold. Nose: well, it’s the same whisky as the G&M, just with a few extra watts! The STR may have brought in some very light touches of redcurrant, but that’s truly the only thing that might set it apart in terms of profile. Of course, there’s absolutely no reason to complain. With water: brioche dough, honeyed muesli, delicate notes of stewed peaches preserved in vanilla syrup... Mouth (neat): still that gentle malt, those apple, banana and orange compotes with cinnamon and honey... Hard to imagine anything more classical than this. With water: soft, fruity and malty, even more classical if that’s possible. Nougat, apple compote, cinnamon, figs, sandalwood and a very light blond tobacco, mullein syrup and woodruff... Finish: fairly long, fruity and malty, rather on stewed fruits and always those mullein nectars. Slight paraffin in the aftertaste. Comments: I insist, one probably couldn’t get more traditional than this. The STR? What STR?
SGP:551 - 87 points.

We're wondering whether G&M's decision, made around two years ago, to eventually exit the independent bottling market will also affect the 'Distillery Labels'. We certainly hope not!

Check the index of all Strathisla we've tasted so far