Deanston Virgin Oak

Nose: Right off the bat, you're hit with a strong oak presence—it's an oak bomb for sure. There's a lovely mix of vanilla and caramel in there too. As you keep sniffing, some fresh fruits start to peek through. Initially, it has a bit of a perfumey vibe, but give it a moment, and you'll notice some floral notes coming out. Adding a splash of water (about 2ml) really brings out these floral characters, some blue flowers i can’t name. Palate: The first sip is a burst of apples and papaya, with a slight burnt wood note, no it is not smoky. It's very malty, giving it a rich, full-bodied feel. The whisky has quite a spicyness and anise bitterness that balances the sweetness nicely. The mouthfeel is wonderful—slightly oily with cinnamon baking spices adding warmth and a bit of astringency to keep things interesting. Finish: The finish carries on with the oak and anise notes, leaving a pleasant warmth that lingers. It's medium to long, so you get to enjoy those flavors for a good while.

Nose: Vanilla, banana custard and cereal. Palate: The vanilla and banana custard from the nose immediately deliver on the palate. Green apple makes an appearance a few seconds later ending with a spicy pepper note and a touch of candy cinnamon heat. Finish: Slightly waxy, pepper, candy cinnamon and ginger. Medium length. I can definitely see this as a scotch that would appeal to bourbon drinkers since it has a similar intense flavor experience that you would get from a bourbon, just without the corn driven sweetness. Distller really needs to re-evaluate this one because it's way better than a 77! It has a solid craft presentation; 46.3% ABV, un-chillfiltered and I believe the color is natural as well. This is a great little single malt for the price and I would take this over most other scotches in this price range.

The Virgin Oak provided more Pepper than anything else in this dram. Nose: Cereal, Fruity, Oaky, Honey, Cooked Spiced Apples, Banana Custard Palate: Pepper, pepper and more pepper. The Distiller critique recommends no water but you will need 0.25-0.5 teaspoons per ounce of distilled water to lighten the pepper enough to get anything else. Once I added some water I got. Fruitiness. Some Fresh green apple Peel. And some miscellaneous cooked/dried fruit can't put my finger on it. You can find the banana for sure. Finish: Short, Peppery with bitter Green Apple Peel. A nice sipping budget Malt but nothing to write home about. If you find it on sale pick it up and give it a try otherwise. Meh you'll get more out of any glenlivet or Glenfiddich. 83 points Cheap NAS Malt.

The nose at first is a simple straightforward whisky but shortly after it becomes much nicer with a nice melange of heavy vanilla creme, sultanas, dried apricots and citrus. The palate is surprisingly full and intense. It is not overly exiting but nicely rich. Fruity and sweet with dried fruits, baking spice, vanilla, citrus oil and a strong maltiness. In the end it is likable and charming. It is easy to comprehend and very honest. The intensity of it, that lies in the virgin oak maturation, is what made me like it. One question I’m asking myself now: is that what Bourbon tastes like?

Nose is grainy and sweet honey - light altogether, but a notable dose of ethanol heat that only comes in an occasional wave was a bit of a surprise at the proof point. However, to be clear, this is an enjoyable nose. Sweet, light citrus flavors dominate this malty pour - I think the big surprise is that the palate is heavier than I would have expected based upon the nose. Minimal oak presence, but what is here is pleasant and complimentary. This makes for a better-than-average pour, particularly for the age (and price point), especially if it is a 2 or 3 finger type of night...

Nose: on palm or caps citrus very sweet. Caramelized. Bananas very soft and of course vanilla. In glass the alcohol is quite present. Like a schnapps. Records its ABV. First sip: caramelized. Hot on an empty stomach. Dried fruits notes are present at the end. Along with milk chocolate and an overall little oily feeling to curve the whole. Latter tastes: gets a bit smoky and salty. Particular dram for the begging. Ending gets more common. Less salty than an Oban 14 but same idea for the finish.