Tastes

This was a difficult review. My first attempt on Day 1 led to palate burn so I tried again on Day 2. On the nose, a very fruit-forward presence with strong citrus aromas (Mandarin orange?). Some alcohol but way below its actual strength at 54%. Maybe a hint of vanilla in the background? Hard to say. Undiluted on the tongue it quickly burns, and citrus overwhelms. A short finish with little depth. Adding water reveals moderate visual swirls and enhances the citrus even more on the nose and tongue. Some slight toffee emerges but the burn maintains. Finish is still short. Deanston came highly recommended and at $120 it was a bit of a disappointment.

I honestly am not a fan. Compared with other peaty malts this one seems flat, lacks the complex flavours I find in other comparable single malts. Disappointed for the $.

One of my favourite neat scotches - reliably smooth and soothing at the end of the day. Cost prevents it being a regular thing but as a treat and 100% sure fire ‘boss gift’ you can’t go wrong.

Bought it because I remembered a Mortlach from the 70s my grandfather had but this was quite different. An excellent smooth whiskey probably good as a gift to the uninitiated (don’t want to scare anyone off at first go). Not a value buy - lotsa marketing to pay for.

One of the finest whiskeys I have tasted. Great char, long finish and even better with ice (opens up).