Deanston Virgin Oak
46.3%
The nose opens with an abundance of grapefruit, followed by spicy oak tones and a hint of raspberry soda. After a while, shortcrust pastry and a light floral note appear, together with fresh pears. With a touch of water and some time in the glass, the aroma becomes sweeter, bringing out floral honey and black wine gums.
The palate is heavy on vanilla – soft, malty and with a distinct oak character alongside a touch of white pepper. After some time, tart, fresh orange emerges, joined by honey and sweetened pistachios. The finish is fairly short, starting with buttery toffee before easing back into oak. A few drops of water amplify the vanilla even further, followed by sweet anise and a hint of dark chocolate.
Deanston 12 Years Old
46.3%
The nose feels surprisingly mature, with a clear malty sweetness reminiscent of granola, followed by fresh lemon and green apples. Dried ginger then meets honeydew melon and digestive biscuits. As the whisky opens up, the aroma becomes slightly oakier with a touch of dark chocolate.
The biscuit notes from the nose certainly carry through on the palate, now joined by almond brittle, oak bitterness and black pepper. After a while, a richer fruitiness develops with candied apples rolled in coconut and ripe banana. The mouthfeel has a faint waxy quality, and with water you’ll find a hint of sweet peppermint rock, along with more oak bitterness and honey. A very classic whisky experience that never disappoints.
Deanston 15 Years Tequila Cask Finish
52.5%
A first deep dive into the glass reveals a slightly meaty or buttery initial impression on the nose, with plenty of umami and a touch of herbal character. After some time, pomelo and raspberry jam tarts appear, and with more time in the glass the aroma turns nuttier, with roasted almonds and a mineral note.
The palate is remarkably balanced and elegant – unexpectedly so – offering grilled pineapple, oat biscuits, pink peppercorns and a long, toffee-like finish. With water, the toffee notes become both clearer and softer before shifting towards buttery caramel and marzipan. The finish then moves into bitter orange marmalade with demerara sugar. Despite the slightly scattered impression on the nose, the whisky holds together beautifully on the palate with surprising elegance. A fascinating dram!
Deanston 18 Years Old
46.3%
Leather meets blackberry jam upfront on the nose, and after a while you’ll find elderflower cordial and jammy Danish pastries with vanilla custard. There’s also a lively spritziness, almost like a bright cava. After some time in the glass and a few drops of water, the fizz fades and is replaced by even richer jammy notes alongside freshly baked pecan pie.
A complex palate with sweet, fruity tones meeting bold spice and a touch of oak bitterness. Here, walnuts are layered with lychee, ginger, cocoa and an autumnal character – almost like overripe apples stored in an old apple cellar. With water, rum-soaked raisins emerge alongside freshly sawn wood, and the whole thing fades out in a mix of tinned peaches and light coffee notes.
