Deanston Virgin Oak

Another Friday evening finds me with another sample. I have seen Deanston on shelves but never really thought much about it and almost never had a sample (save a quick taste two years ago). The tour group, courtesy of Ryan, has allowed me to taste this and not just sample. How was my experience? Tangerine citrus aromas start the tasting process intermixed with cereal (in the vein of Grape Nuts). More time and some honey sweetness creeps up (which makes a somewhat healthy breakfast in a normal sense). Lastly, a touch of floral with dried hay rounds out the nose. A medium-dense body is immediately striking with black pepper spice and ginger root. A fresh and clean sensation takes over the palate. As you work past the spiciness, you can detect some light-brown sugar sweetness. A crescending of heat and burn arrive late towards the start of the finish. The finish is medium in length and what remains are lemon bitters and bittersweet chocolate. A somewhat odd mix, but works well here. The curtain call is ginger all and a touch of wood oak, like a toothpick chewed on for some time. This is definitely young and vibrant. An easy sipper that is pretty straightforward and upfront. Not flashy or dynamic, however refreshing. This works well as a summer sipper. I was pleasantly surprised. [Dry Glass: Butterscotch][85/100][Tasted: 8/18/17]

I'm finally getting around to getting my review posted on this interesting NAS single malt from Deanston. I've had the 12 year old version before and found it thoroughly enjoyable. This sample was supplied by my friend Ryan as part of our distillery tour. It's non-chill filtered, has no color added and comes in at a robust 46.3% ABV. It's a hipsters wet dream as well- claiming to be certified organic, produced at a clean energy facility and packaged in recycled/recyclable materials. Talk about saving the planet one dram at a time, bro. The nose starts out interestingly enough with nice blasts of citrus and honey. You really get a lively, youthful hit of oak and pine as well. Zippy! The palate also contains an initial bite of peppery/ginger notes from the oak that really grabs your attention before melting into a creamy, toffee-like finish. It's very bourbon-esque and would easily work well in your favorite American cocktail. The finish is oaky and hot but doesn't linger to the point it would seem one dimensional nor irritating. The warmth also follows the spirit down into your belly. The only criticisms I find are that it imitates American bourbon so well that it doesn't make me feel like I'm drinking a single malt scotch. If I had a full bottle I'd probably use more of it mixed with Coca Cola. It's a relative bargain here in the states with full size bottles running just shy of $40. That also puts in on par or slightly more expensive than most run of the mill bourbons and that would ultimately cause me to pass on buying my own bottle. Still, thanks again to Ryan for supplying this one so we can tick it off the distillery list. 3.75 stars. Cheers, my friends

The nose is very pleasant, honey sweetness, cereal grain, a little oak and fruit. Palate definitely carries the sweet honey, some spice and does have a nice pleasant warming finish with some silkiness to it. Overall very pleasant to drink, definitely straight with no added water or ice.

Nose: fresh lime! A lot less peppery than last batch and very smooth citrus. Taste: ripe citrus fruits, a little sharp, medium bodied. Aftertaste: medium with some spices I would say this is a stronger flavor Glenfiddich 12. Both sweeter and spicier. Which makes me think this is a 8-10year old whisky. This batch (tasted 2017 July), show more bodied, much more smoother, and very refreshing at the same time. For the price, recommended!

Stop number 24 on the SDT is Deanston. This Highland single malt is a NAS that is composed of young whiskies finished in virgin American oak casks. Bottled at 46.3% ABV and is non chill filtered. It appears to be natural color of golden straw. The nose starts off with a warm pop of citrus. Tangerines, oranges and apricots. It moves into wonderful baked apples and pears. Nice warm toasted oak with nutmeg and a little cinnamon and a hint of ginger. There is toffee and light butterscotch as well. There is a definite malty character, like whole grain bread that's half way done cooking. I also get wet sawdust oddly enough. Caramel and more toasted oak on the back end and some candied fruits. The palate is warm and inviting, very drinkable. Ripe to overripe apples and pears. A touch sharp, showing its youth, but I'm enjoying it. Oak with nutmeg and toffee. A medium spice level and a light heather honey. Light to medium bodied, and a little on the thin side. Fairly dry. The finish is medium long. Spicy and spirity with sharp oak, honeyed apples and cinnamon. I wouldn't say this is better or worse than I expected, just different. This is a young whisky (I would guess between 5-10 years), and I suspect the virgin oak finishing didn't go much longer than 6-9 months. Having said that, it is very flavorful for a NAS. It's a touch rough at times though. 3.75 for this scotch on its own merits, but if you add in it's incredible value ($36 locally) it's a solid 4. Thanks to Ryan for the sample. Cheers

Rather good for $35. Smooth with a little burn due to the slightly higher proof. Sweet nose with fruity notes.