Stronachie 10 - 43% - AD Rattray

From the AD Rattray website 

Stronachie, one of the legendary names in the archive of vanished distilleries, lives on with this Highland Single Malt.

Our Recreation of Stronachie
Decades after the Stronachie Distillery closed, we acquired a bottle of original 1904 Stronachie at an auction… one of only four bottles left in existence. A small sample of whisky was drawn from this bottle, tasted and compared to samples from other Highland malt whiskies. 

We revived the delicate style, character and flavour of Stronachie by using spirit from Benrinnes Distillery. Like the original, Benrinnes is located in a remote, high altitude wilderness. The new make spirit is matured in ex-bourbon casks before bottling in small batches as 10 year old Stronachie Single Malt.

Stronachie is pronounced Stron-a-key. In Gaelic, the name means ‘prominent nose’ or ‘headland in the valley’.”

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Pale gold colour, forms a thin line which beads before forming an inverted crown before falling as slow, thick legs.

Nose: Orchard fruit, new mown grass, heather honey, petrichor.

Palate: Runny honey, Scottish vanilla tablet, malted milk biscuits, stewed apple with butterscotch sauce, ginger and just a touch of old, worn leather.

Finish: Slightly drying nutty oak tannins, a hint of brine, worn leather, ginger warmth and a touch of cooling menthol.

Overall: I have absolutely no idea if it tastes anything like the original Stronachie and highly unlikely to ever be lucky enough to compare. Taking the backstory out of the equation, when judged as a standalone whisky this is pretty impressive. The Benrinnes connection is obvious, as is the influence of the bourbon casks. Well balanced with enough complexity to keep the palate occupied. Lots to commend, a solid, highly enjoyable whisky and, in my opinion, an absolute bargain at £35.

If you would like more information on AD Rattray and their range of whiskies, please visit the company website.