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KWM 2023 Whisky Calendar Blog Day 13 - Boutique-y Strathmill 14 Year

Posted on December 19, 2023

by Evan

Strathmill Distillery resides in the town of Keith, within Banffshire. As the name suggests, the distillery is built on the site of an old mill that was used to mill oats for porridge. Its neighbour Glen Keith Distillery is much the same in this, and the town of Keith was once known for both milling and weaving. A local Kilt Museum helps celebrate this history, and is apparently a great place to visit if you are into staring at (or up) this plaid fashion kit.

The distillery was built in 1892 and originally carried the name Glenisla-Glenlivet. It was sold in 1895 to W&A Gilbey, a wine and spirits merchant owned by two brothers. The company changed the distillery name to Strathmill upon purchasing it.

Like the Teaninich we sampled back on Day Two of this year’s KWM Whisky, Calendar, Strathmill might not be a whisky name that jumps out at you. Most of the whisky it creates is used in blending. The primary Blended Scotch that Strathmill is used for is J&B Rare. Also like Teaninch, the distillery is owned by spirits giant Diageo. There are no official bottlings of Strathmill that currently hit any part of the Canadian market, but independent bottlings such as this one from That Boutique-y Whisky Company do crop up here and there.

The label for this Boutique-y Strathmill bottlings contains references to the distillery once being a mill for oats and currently being used for Gin distillation instead of whisky production (according to the 2024 Malt Whisky Yearbook). Goldilocks is critical of the porridge, but two-thirds of the time she is critical of EVERYTHING. For a fictional character known best for unlawful entry and a predilection for inserting herself into an already whole family unit, you would think she would be less choosy. The bear looks enticed, at least.

Strathmill’s whisky is usually known for having a delicate, fruity, and slightly oily style. Will that show up in this bottling? Let's find out.

That Boutique-y Strathmill - Batch 10 - 14 Year Old - 55.5%

This is the 10th Batch of Strathmill to be bottled by That Boutique-y Whisky Company. It was distilled in 2006. 417 bottles were filled at a strength of 55.5% of this 14 Year Old.

Evan’s Tasting Note

Nose: Floral and flour-al, with notes of glazed donuts, strawberry yogurt, oatmeal raisin cookies, Bran Flakes cereal, macadamia nuts, and angel food cake.

Palate: Much more spice-driven than expected, but with a nice creamy texture. Candied ginger, Neapolitan ice cream, shortbread biscuits with a strawberry jam filling, and light pineapple notes.

Finish: Fruity and spicy with a light honey note along for the ride.

Comment: This is not nearly as delicate as I expected thanks to the fruit and spice notes. It is not a whisky that jumps right out of the glass to strangle you with flavour, but plenty is going on in there nonetheless.

Cheers,
Evan
evan@kensingtonwinemarket.com
Facebook & Instagram: @sagelikefool

You can find all blog posts for Kensington Wine Market’s 2023 Whisky Calendar Here