Strathisla

James "Jimmy" Barclay was a clever man. When he was asked by Chivas Brothers to bid on their behalf at the 1950 auction of the Strathisla distillery in Aberdeen, he deliberately held back, hinting that the price was already too high for him. This reticence so unsettled the competition that Strathisla went for just £71,000 to an apparent unknown – in fact a proxy bidding on Jimmy's behalf.

Founded as early as 1786 under the name "Milltown", Strathisla is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the entire Speyside region. In 2001, Pernod Ricard acquired Strathisla along with Chivas Brothers – the malt remains a key component of the premium blend Chivas Regal to this day. With a selection of independent bottlings, you will find rare glimpses into this picturesque Speyside distillery in our selection.

How did Jimmy Barclay outsmart the competition?

James "Jimmy" Barclay worked for Chivas Brothers, a subsidiary of the Canadian whisky giant Seagram, and was asked in 1950 to bid on their behalf at the auction of Strathisla in Aberdeen. Rather than bidding aggressively, he conspicuously held back, signalling to other bidders that the price was already too high for him – as if he didn't quite trust the distillery. Unsettled by Jimmy's well-known market expertise, the competitors withdrew, and Strathisla went for just £71,000 to an unknown bidder who was, in truth, acting on Jimmy's behalf.

Why is Strathisla considered Speyside's oldest distillery?

In 1786, George Taylor and Alexander Milne founded the distillery under the name "Milltown". William Longmore took over in 1830, and it was renamed Strathisla in 1870. Despite a severe fire in 1876 and an explosion in 1879, the distillery never permanently ceased production, making it the oldest continuously operating distillery in Speyside. In 1890, it was briefly renamed "Milton" again, before Chivas Brothers finally established it as "Strathisla" in 1950. In 2001, Pernod Ricard acquired Chivas Brothers and Strathisla along with the rest of Seagram's spirits brands.

Available bottlings

1. Strathisla 2016/2026 - 10 Year Old PX Sherry Butts Finish
An independent bottling by Signatory.
Taste: Spicy and fruity with sherry sweetness and a hint of nuttiness.
Serving suggestion: A good introduction to Strathisla's soft, medium-bodied style.

Facts and figures

Address: Keith, Morayshire. Founded: 1786 (as Milltown), renamed Strathisla in 1870. Owner: Pernod Ricard (Chivas Brothers, since 2001). Notable: the heart of Chivas Regal.