Deanston Virgin Oak

Cheap, so happy for the experience to price ratio. It's very much like licking a raw oak barrel. Faint sweetness, strong alcohol on the approach. But very barrelly.

I've no idea what to make of it...I literally just had it, and I can't remember what I had. It's mild. Milder than a Balvenie. Floral honey. I think, not sure. Maybe floral heather. Either way...this is a mighty fine dram for someone new to whisky. I certainly wouldn't want to pour a newbie a dram of Ardbeg or Laphroig...I'd forever lose them to those horrid pink rose wines. They'd be turned away from whisky forever. Instead, if it's just an acquaintance, I'd pour them this. If it's a close friend that's a novice, then a Balvenie 12. Thanks to Ryan for this sample---it's part of our round 2 of our little Scotch sampling team.

Interesting change of pace with the new oak influence. Distiller score of 77 is harsh, would put this in the mid 80's.

Vanilla, spice, lemon zest