These old Strathisla licensed bottlings, a practice slightly different than independent bottling today as the bottler had a license to essentially represent the distillery in the absence of an official line, have quite the reputation. I have been fortunate enough to try a few over the years, and even with the low proof, long period in glass, and potential for OBE (old bottle effect), they can still be stunning.

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Whisky: Strathisla 24 Year (1960), Gordon & MacPhail

Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside

ABV: 40%

Cask: Oak Barrel

Age: 24 Years (Distilled 1960)

Notes: Old wood, plastic, and pewter— dried fruits and licorice candies lingered in the background of an old toy store with model trains, pewter figurines, and resin castings. Mellow notions of aromatic wood resins and dried florals combined with a kiss of tobacco and drifted toward soft leather and old wool blankets. Light-bodied on the palate with fruits and metallic pewter drifting toward woody resins, leather, and a kiss of tobacco smoke— like digging through an old woolen blanket wrapped cigar box containing antique toy soldiers. Plenty of OBE, or old bottle effect, cast an almost sepia-like tone of the flavors whose richness dissipated too quickly. The finish was medium to short and slightly drying with a gentle bitterness, dried fruits, woody resins, and subtle tobacco.

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Score: 6-7 (80)

Mental Image: Tiny Tim’s Toy Store Summer Sale

Conclusion: Low proof and old, I was not surprised that this had a fair helping of “OBE” to it. The flavors were properly decadent and old fashioned— a comfy leather chair and library full of old books, or rummaging through a closet for antique toys and paraphernalia.  Yet, everything faded too fast and the woody core of the whisky, which appeared throughout, lent a drying quality to the finish. It was gentle and enjoyable, but like a sweet memory, faded too fast.

Overall, old bottles such as this are remarkably fun to try, but it can be hard to judge just how much life is left in them, how much the old bottle effect has intruded (or enhanced), or whether its turned to cabbage water. I rarely risk my dollars on them, but they are enjoyable enough that I am not afraid to shoot my shot at a bar or with friends.