Single malt from Strathmill is an unusual thing – other than a Flora & Fauna release from a few years back, if you’re looking for a Strathmill, you’re going to be exploring independent bottlers, and even these are not an overly common sight. The lesser-known distillery is part of Diageo’s expansive portfolio and has the distinction of employing purifiers on both the still lyne arms and condensers. These supposedly lead to the development of a light, fruity and grassy whisky.
A very interesting composition here – 8 year old Strathmill that spent most of its life in ex-bourbon wood before being subjected to a quick re-rack into an ex-islay (so a peated precursor liquid) wine barrique.
A 26 year old Strathmill distilled on 10th May 1991 and matured in an refill ex-Bourbon hogshead. One of 234 bottles. Spicy & Sweet profile.
We’re into the last third of the 2018 Boutique-y Whisky Advent calendar, and a quick check in on the dram list shows that there’s quite a few big-hitters to come over the next week. Door number 16 delivers Boutique-y’s fifth batch of Speysider Strathmill. The distillery is like many from Diageo’s vast portfolio – woefully under-represented with official releases – but, a case in point that despite perceptions, blends still rule the roost.
With maturation it’s angels, and with still lyne arms it’s angles. All too often on distillery tours have I witnesses the sage nodding which results from the announcement of the precise incline of this sometimes-insignificant looking pipe. Whether horizontal or steeply inclined, the construction and style of lyne arms / lye pipes / swan necks has a significant impact on spirit quality. The angle of the dangle is important.