Nose - Bright red berries, caramel, honey, cranberry/red grape skin tannins (w/ water) More vibrant, adds some fresh blueberries Taste - Bright red berries, dark chocolate, honey, light red berry "funk", candied orange zest, candied ginger, dark apple juice (w/ water) Elevates everything, makes it more vibrant and clear, but does make the mouthfeel a bit drier/tannic Finish - Gentle lingering heat/tingle, red berry "funk", dark chocolate covered dried orange peels (w/ water) Much less heat/tingle, "funk" is gone, more fresh red berries, slightly less chocolate Score - 88/100 Final Thoughts - This one was tasty, the red wine cask influence is apparent, but I don't think I would've been able to pick this out blind as it's subtle enough to not scream red wine. The proof is very evident in this one as it's punchy but fortunately not hot. A bit of water really opens this up nicely but does affect the last part of the mouthfeel a bit, but I think it does quite well with a bit of water to really open things up. This is tasty, but I'm not sure it stands out enough to be something that I'd want to reach for very often. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - Maybe NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.
About this bottle
A former cotton mill, Deanston is one of the most unique looking distilleries in Scotland. Located not far from the dramatic Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, they are not afraid to experiment, of which this wine matured release is proof. For nine years this whisky spent its time in red wine Bordeaux casks, before only 1,400 bottles were released in November 2017.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 9 parsed reviews.
Found it at $55, for the price it’s a steal. Nose: red wine influence is profound, on the fruity side, dry, honey, sugary Palate: neat without water, almost overpowering alcohol burn with berries, peppery, then the bitter oak at the end. The wine influence is apparent. It’s dry, tannic, but the high abv is very punchy makes you forgot all the quality of the wine. with water: it’s much softer and mellow, honey, the water really brings out the oak and the depth of the wine. Finish: medium, warm, fruity and sweet notes. Hint of bitter and wood. For the price hell ya it’s a steal, but it is a young 9 yr old unconventional scotch that really tests your palate.
The official notes sum it up well. Candy notes, red berries, and interestingly tobacco, not a common tasting descriptor but must remember it. They've done well here, I dropped a bunch of water in and it opened up a bit. Good quality drop but I wouldn't say it's exciting. Solid 4.
Red wine, mint, vanilla nose. Date reduction, sprees candy, almond butter and barley sugar. Flavor is a bit constricted. Long biscuit finish.
strong tobacco leaf smell. high spice, high alcohol on the tongue. mellow sweet port-like finish. excellent imho
Oily, sweet, salty, leather, lots of wine, toffee/caramel, syrup, dry finish
3 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.
Tastes like this
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