The spearhead of the Central Highlands distillery's official range, this non-chill-filtered 12yo is aged in ex-bourbon casks and bottled at just over 46% proof.
The 12yo created quite a stir, bringing the Deanston distillery to the fore when it was first released in 2009.
Tasting notes from Thomas
The nose gives the impression of being at the end of a meal, close to a plate of desserts. Notes of liquid honey are filled with candied oranges, nougat and walnut purée. Gradually, almond paste, marrons glacés and fruit (apple-pear tart, vanilla ice cream) enrich this decidedly gourmet opening.
Aeration reveals another side to this whisky. Malted cereals and spices (clove, cinnamon) provide aromatic diversity. However, the nose remains sweet. Two drops of water calm this tendency, with citrus and white fruits with a hint of honey coming through lightly.
The palate is as mellow as ever, especially at the start. The liquid honey is present and only subsides later. Around it, fresh cream, vanilla fruit (apples, pears, pineapple) and dried fruit (powdered almonds, walnut purée) contribute to this sensation of roundness. The second half of the palate is more malty and spicy (clove, ginger, black pepper), without ever showing signs of dryness. Dilution makes the whole more mellow, retaining the same perfumes as before.
The finish reflects the rest of the tasting. Soft and cottony, it carries aromas of fresh fruit and dried fruit. Finally, honey, citrus, white fruits and spices intermingle for a perfectly coherent finish. Dilution at this stage brings out notes of walnut tart.
" This suave Deanston is sure to please fans of pastries and mignardises...".
François MANIA
Simply delicious