Strathisla 12 year old 2000s
70cl / 40%
£129.00
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Speyside
- Chilfiltered: Yes
- Coloring: Yes
Tasting Notes
Oak, Honey, Wildflowers and Sweet Citrus
Roasted Nuts, Cinnamon Pastry and Cooked Apple
Medium Long, Fruits, Nuts and Caramel
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The definitive 2000s bottling of Speyside’s oldest continuously operating distillery, showcasing a rich and reliable malt quality.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Strathisla / Distillery Bottling / Scotland, Speyside |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 12 Years Old / Distilled 1990s / Bottled 2000s |
| ABV & Size(s) | 43% ABV / 70cl (Also available in 1 Litre) |
| Cask / Treatment |
Bourbon and Sherry Casks 1 |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer. Assumed colouring applied. |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer. Assumed chill-filtered at 43% ABV. |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | High volume, regular core range bottling. |
| Intended channel | Global Retail (Core Range) |
| Packaging | Clear bottle, older label design, often with presentation tin/tube. |
| Notes on discrepancies | The preferred collectible specification is the 43% ABV version, offering a fuller profile than the 40% bottling. |
Historical Context
Strathisla, established in 1786, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands. Since 1950, the distillery has been owned by Chivas Brothers (now part of Pernod Ricard), and its rich, fruity malt is the foundational component for the entire Chivas Regal blend portfolio.
The 2000s bottling is significant as it was produced during the period of stable Chivas Brothers' ownership, following the full integration of the Seagram portfolio.2 This era ensured the blend maintained high-quality, mature stock, characterized by the distillery's reliable consistency. The 12 Year Old expression is the distillery's foundational single malt release. The primary collector value of this specific bottling is tied to its 43% ABV presentation, which many connoisseurs believe delivers a fuller, more textural experience than the 40% ABV version that circulated in other markets. This higher strength is often cited as a benchmark for the malt's ideal drinking presentation.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The key technical specification for this desirable bottling is the 43% ABV and 12 Year Old age statement. Maturation involves a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, a necessary mix to create the complex cereal, spice, and fruit notes that define the Strathisla house style.
Documented variants
The most sought-after variants are the high-proof (43% ABV) releases in both 70cl and 1 Litre formats. The 1 Litre bottling, generally reserved for Travel Retail, carries a scarcity premium.
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 43% | 70cl | UK/EU Domestic | Older label design (pre-2010s aesthetic revisions) | High (Preferred strength) |
| 43% | 1 Litre | Travel Retail | Older label design, GTR size | Very High (Scarcity + Strength) |
| 40% | 70cl | Standard Export | Less desirable strength | Moderate |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
The 2000s Strathisla 12 Year Old is identified by its clear glass bottle and traditional label design. Authentication requires verifying the 43% ABV statement on the label. Fill levels should be excellent (Into Neck/High Shoulder).
Regulatory/terminology notes
The 43% ABV is the premium strength for this era. The producer states that colouring was used, and as a core range bottling, it is assumed to be chill-filtered for clarity.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The profile is rich, creamy, and malt-forward, achieving a complex balance of fruit, spice, and honey.
Nose: The nose is rich and of good body, featuring malty notes with spice and fruit, and a whiff of smoke. Complex cereal notes and ripe fruit, honey, chocolate malt, milky caramel with tinned fruit cocktail, and juicy pears are present.
Palate: Medium bodied. Creamy, rich, dried fruit, malty, and a subtle background smokiness. Notes of thick cream and honeyed raisins are observed, with sultana notes emerging with a little Madeira and mixed peels. Conversely, lower-strength versions (40% ABV) can have a sharp alcohol and sour arrival, with bitterness.
Finish: The finish is fruity and spirity. It is excellent with continued cocoa-tinged sweetness and woodspice, often with a slight clove-ish wave of dry wood smoke.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Strathisla is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands. Owned by Chivas Brothers (Pernod Ricard) since 1950, the distillery's robust, fruity malt is the essential base for all Chivas Regal blends.2 This 12 Year Old epitomizes the rich, dependable house style.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras
Focus on 43% ABV bottles (70cl or 1 Litre) with the classic 2000s label design.
Red flags to avoid
Avoid the 40% ABV version if the higher liquid integrity of the 43% strength is the priority.
Condition thresholds
High Shoulder (HS) fill level or better is required. Original presentation tube/tin is highly desired.
Margin/velocity expectations
High velocity due to brand popularity. Excellent margin potential due to the price differential between auction and retail.
