Stronachie was originally a Highland distillery that was placed in Forgandenny in Perth and Kinross. It was closed in 1928 and only a very small amount of whisky was left behind. in 2002, AD Rattray (who represented the distillery when it was open) acquired 1 of only 4 remaining bottles of the distilleries single malt, tasted it and recreated the flavour using malts from the Benrinnes Distillery.
We were lucky enough to be sent a sample of this whisky during a Tweet Tasting with The Whisky Wire.
Price: £40-50
ABV: 43%
Appearance: A light dry hay like colour
Aroma: This whisky’s aromas start out nutty, with rich, sweet almond notes, then there are sweet brown sugar, juicy cherry and buttery pastry notes as well that appear. These made me think of Cherry Bakewell. Then as the dram stayed in the glass there were notes of acetone, pear drops and something musty (goodness knows what that makes)
Taste: At first sip, the Stronachie 12 Year Old was initially super light, sweet and minty. The most noticeable flavours were sweet almond paste like flavours, with a pastry like butteriness. This drew my mind to breakfast croissants.
Then with more sips the whisky revealed a biscuity, toasty nut like flavour and the mint came back in the form of a mint cream like flavour.
With time there were darker notes and floral heathery notes as well.
Mouthfeel: Light and dry
Overall: It is always interesting and romantic to feel like you are getting to taste a little piece of whisky history, even when it has been recreated with contemporary malts, so I was intrigued by this dram. It feels very gentle and to some people it could feel under flavoured. I would say that it is definitely a dram to sit with and enjoy at length, because initially it was quite closed and I was underwhelmed. As I sat with it, there were lots of lovely subtle aromas and flavours and I ended up finding more depth and enjoyment in it.
Real Dram Factor: 7.0
Source: Tweet Tasting Sample
More Information: AD Rattray Website
Buy Online: £32.00 from the AD Rattray Website