Deanston Virgin Oak

The burn surprised me, though it shouldn't at 46.3%. In the nose it is a real waker-upper. It's got a great set of legs coming down the side of the glass. Strong molasses and finished wood. It does benefit from a drop of water in the burn, but that gives it a waxy, spicy component. Some sea salt on the lips, caramel and sherry. Finishes with a little bit of lacquer/nail polish. Not sure if it's the char on that virgin oak but it definitely has a sweeter Bourbon character, but still in the overall Scotch genre. I must be on a cinnamon kick too, because again I'm catching quite a bit of it at the late stage. The body is chewy and thick, a little sticky. The burn cannot be overstated: I inhaled by accident and when I coughed I swear a little fire came out. It's pleasant, but a slow sipper, preferably out of a wide-mouthed glass and with a droplet. And I got it for $30 which I think is a steal.

An easy sipper with a fruity flavor. No long finish, which is a bit of a downside, but it's very nice overall.

Ive seen mixed reviews on this but wanted to try a scotch finished in new oak barrels. No age statement but non chill filtered, no coloring, 92 pf and certified organic (good start). Poured neat, thick heavy legs. Noses dense malt, yeasty bread dough, dusty beeswax with a hint of spiced apple. Slightly oily mouthfeel. Palate has rich malt sweetness,doughy honey bread and oak with good heat. Finish is malt, oak and char with cinnamon helping out. You can tell its young as flavors are not fully developed, yet Im enjoying it nonetheless . I really like this profile in a scotch (little to no fruit, no peat and good malt flavor). The bread dough note is very tasty and there is more barrel influence than most. Delicious pure scotch flavor along the lines of Bruichladdich Classic without the smoke & pepper(albeit lesser version). Overall I would absolutely buy again. Great value in the $30-35 range imo. 85/100 ..........Oaky doughy malty scotch!.....12 yr is even better!

Citrus, vanilla, spice, cloves, ginger, green apples