A bit of a rough and ready nose at first, calling to mind days of old with illicit stills and rustic saw mills. Give it time to breathe and the vapors settle, the dusky wood fades, and some sweet vanilla bean, juicy citrus taffy, a little sticky toffee, and a slightly floral note comes out. Sweet and flavorsome on the palate. There’s serious bourbon notes, brown sugar, Rainier cherries, cinnamon, peppercorn, raisin, orange peel, and a smidge of mint. Good body, it’s a little creamy on the tongue, while in the glass the legs are pretty thin and quick leaving plenty of tears behind. On the finish the orange peel transforms into lemon, the sweetness diminishes into a simple icing and a bit of dry spice cake. Dry dusky oak lingers longest bringing the experience back to where it started. You can’t go wrong with a Deanston. Adding water amps up the brown sugar/bourbon notes, making it almost too sweet, no need to dilute this beaut. It’s just right the way it is, even if it is a bit different. Nose: 8 Taste: 9 Body: 8 Finish: 9