Stronachie
- INDEPENDENT BOTTLER
- OWNER: A.D. RATTRAY
- PRONUNCIATION: STRUN-ah-key
Stronachie is a single malt produced at the Benrinnes distillery but owned and marketed by A.D. Rattray, a prominent independent bottler. The whisky takes its name from the Stronachie distillery, which was shuttered in 1928.
Stronachie
10 Years Old
Despite the Man for All Seasons, retro English label, this is a relatively new expression, introduced by A.D. Rattray in 2014. Aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.
- PRICE $ · RATING
- AGE 10 years old
- ALC/VOL 43%
- NOSE Linseed oil, pencil shavings, pancake syrup, cocoa powder, and shaved wood; water brings out candy sugar and cedar.
- PALATE A thin mouthfeel; sweet, minty, creamy, cinnamon. The finish is brief and spicy, redolent of hot pepper, leather, and toasted nuts.
- GENERAL A terrible nose; the palate is more inviting, but still unimpressive.
Aged 12 Years
Not significantly different from the 10 Year Old, except for the obvious two years.
- PRICE $$ · RATING
- AGE 12 years old
- ALC/VOL 43%
- NOSE Honey, linseed oil, beeswax, dried fruit, malt, biscuits, and heather; water makes it sweeter and a bit woodsy.
- PALATE Thin-bodied, with orange peel, honey, oak, and an onslaught of pepper at the mid-palate; water brings out soy sauce, spice cake, and an earthy must. The finish is short, save for a tingle of lingering heat.
- GENERAL A standard Speyside, but overpriced.
Stronachie
18 Years Old
Big brother to the 12 Year Old.
- PRICE $$$ · RATING
- AGE 18 years old
- ALC/VOL 46%
- NOSE Fresh coconut, banana bread, slightly herbal; it really opens up with water, to show sweet crackers, black tea, and smoked fish.
- PALATE A medium, slightly oily mouthfeel, with overripe pear, dried fruit, and savory notes of meat and mushrooms; water brings out candied ginger and soap. It dries quickly, with a bit of strawberry sweetness.
- GENERAL A big step up from the 12 Year Old. A bit too sweet, but not unmanageable.