Deanston 2009 Organic Cask No. 28

Review #055 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 54.9% Comments: single cask bottling, distilled in 2009 and bottled November 2021 so either 11 or 12 years old, olorosso maturation, hand filled at Deanston Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Brown Sherry color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 17/20 Chocolate covered cherries, raisins, baking spices, and a rich dank earthy aroma. Additional time resting also revealed some roasted malty sweetness. Palate: 34/40 The initial taste is very spice forward, but opens up with additional sips. Orange peel and lemon citrus, milk chocolate, and vanilla. Finish: 36/40 Nice long finish. Mildly salty, starts with notes of charcoal (especially notable in the back of my mouth), gives way to black tea, then oak tannins and cinnamon, ending with a raspberry jam sweetness. With Water: A couple drops of water brings out rich toffee and vanilla notes on the nose. The spice is also scaled back some on the palate revealing some raspberry sweetness. Total: 87/100 Final thoughts: This bottle is what put Deanston on the map for me as a great distillery. It taught me that this spirit takes well to sherry casks and can be exceptional at a higher ABV. I picked this bottle up about two years ago during my first trip to Scotland while visiting the Deanston, and while it represents some great memories, it has reached a point where I need to resentfully finish it up. Price: Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.