A bit of a rough and ready nose at first, calling to mind days of old with illicit stills and rustic saw mills. Give it time to breathe and the vapors settle, the dusky wood fades, and some sweet vanilla bean, juicy citrus taffy, a little sticky toffee, and a slightly floral note comes out. Sweet and flavorsome on the palate. There’s serious bourbon notes, brown sugar, Rainier cherries, cinnamon, peppercorn, raisin, orange peel, and a smidge of mint. Good body, it’s a little creamy on the tongue, while in the glass the legs are pretty thin and quick leaving plenty of tears behind. On the finish the orange peel transforms into lemon, the sweetness diminishes into a simple icing and a bit of dry spice cake. Dry dusky oak lingers longest bringing the experience back to where it started. You can’t go wrong with a Deanston. Adding water amps up the brown sugar/bourbon notes, making it almost too sweet, no need to dilute this beaut. It’s just right the way it is, even if it is a bit different. Nose: 8 Taste: 9 Body: 8 Finish: 9
About this bottle
This is the first certified organic single malt expression to come from Deanston distillery in the Highlands. It is made with organically grown local barley. It is matured a minimum 15 years in traditional ex-bourbon oak casks and bottled non chill-filtered at 92.6 proof.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 6 parsed reviews.
Creamy and malty on the nose, with more of the same plus lemons in the mouth. Reminds me of a classic Bruichladdich - nothing too complicated, just tasty and satisfying. @SolanaRoots are you sure this is virgin oak? There’s none of the excessive oak spice that I associate with new barrels.
It’s fresh, piney, “organic”. What I consider to be a “Scotchy-scotch” in true Highlands style, which generally isn’t my personal preference. But this is quality, so I like it. Not something I’ll drink regularly but it fills a gap in the collection.
Good Whisky, the organic version gives a very light coulour. Crispy, light vanilla (bourbon barrel) and Christmas cake tastes. Not smoky at all for a sweet finish.
tasting notes of honey and vanilla. very crisp finish. light in color. the finish is the best part.
Poucas memórias…
Tastes like this
Same style and price bracket, best rated first.