Strathmill Flora & Fauna 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

"I like this very natural malt..." - whiskyfun.com

Another Speysider distillery unknown to most, with the majority of its produce destined for blends - in particular J&B which sells over 30 million bottles globally. Strathmill eventuated in the whisky boom of the late 19th century, when almost thirty malt whisky distilleries were founded (some familiar names include, Balvenie, Dalwhinnie, Aberfeldy and Glen Moray). It commenced as a Flour and Corn mill factory in 1823 which was converted under the name Glenisla-Glenlivet. In 1895 the gin producers W. & A. Gilbey bought the distillery and changed the name to Strathmill ('the mill in the long valley'), which today falls under the Diageo umbrella. Due a a downturn in J&B sales circa 2020, demand for Strathmill's output declined to such an extent that the distillery has been producing gin as a side line.

With very few single malts surfacing, independent bottlers are the main source to sample its delights which have been referred to by the likes of whisky writer Michael Jackson as "whisky's answer to orange Muscat". The still setup results in a lighter spirit, hinting at nuts, grass, ginger and peppery oak. More recently, various bottlings of Strathmill have received ratings as high as 96 points by Jim Murray. This 12 Year Old Flora & Fauna from Diageo was originally launched in 2001. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... It is a little unclear whether Diageo are still producing these or not. Some well-known websites claim that they've been discontinued but other do not, while the official website malts.com keeps listing this one. The last Strathmill F&F we've tried had been bottled circa 2007 (WF 79). I also remember that around twenty years ago, we used to talk about these - and the Rare Malts - as 'official independents'. How silly have we been! Colour: straw. Nose: some natural 'pure malt', that is to say rather all on porridge, muesli, leaven, grist and ale. There is, indeed, something very natural to it. Whiffs of warm brioche straight from the nearest French bakery, as well as not-too-aromatic fruits. Greengages, I would say. Mouth: this feeling of distilled beer that's sometimes to be found in malt whiskies. After all, that's what it is! Hops, herbs more greengages, more muesli, IPA and a little grapefruit. Tens to get more citrusy over time, almost acerbic, in a good way. Finish: of medium length, on more or less the same notes. Touch of pepper in the aftertaste. Comments: I like this very natural malt, so up one point! 80 points - whiskyfun.com

Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Light prickle. A closed nose at full strength. A hint of ‘Café Noir’ biscuits. With water, solvent, sweet and minty at first. Light and creamy, becoming darker. Chocolate- chip, mint ice cream, then Toblerone. Roasted peanuts and their skins. Remains pleasantly clean. Dried parsley and moss. PALATE: Sweet start. Some acidity. FINISH: A medium-length, dry finish. Chocolaty aftertaste.