Jonathan Wheeler Scotland Collection

Strathisla is one of Scotland’s oldest and most photogenic distilleries. Located in the town of Keith since 1786, it is today owned by Pernod Ricard. Originally known as Milton, the name was changed in 1870 before reverting back to Milton in 1890. And it stayed that way for 60 years until 1950 when the owners went bankrupt and the distillery was acquired at auction by the Chivas Brothers. The run-down distillery was renamed Strathisla and overdue investment gave the distillery a new lease of life. Very little has been done to Strathisla since (excluding a new pair of stills) as its layout and age doesn’t allow for much expansion. It is bottled as a single malt but retains a low level of awareness amongst whisky drinkers. There is an enduring sense of mystery when you visit or open a bottle.