When it comes to whisky tasting of Scottish single malts, you just cannot go wrong with Deanston 12.
Whisky novice or experienced connoisseur, just about everyone loves this bottling. The question is why, and why am I reviewing this again?
The story of Deanston of often told. The word originally comes from a ‘Dean’ in the area, who around 1500 started out the ‘to(w)n’. By the mif 18th Century, a huge cotton mill was set up, employing hundreds. It survived for nearly 200 years, when the estate was converted out into a distillery.
The first thing you learn about the place is that both the mill and the distillery receive its power via water of the local Teith River. The second thing that you find out is that Deanston is owned by the Distell Group, who also own Bunnahabhain and Tobermory distilleries. These are also powerhouses in the field, consistently turning out brilliant pourings of whisky.
And Deanston is no exception to this rule:
- The casks are considered excellent. (Personally, I like their current emphasis on bourbon casks.
- No caramel colouring is used in its products.
- Neither do they chill filter before bottling.
I have bought this bottle several times. Last night, I put it out as number 2 in a series of 5 at a private tasting event. And the participants described as complex and a clean finish.
My own notes are as follows:
Nose: Sweet, barley sugar, lemony effect coming through.
Palate: Light, easy to enjoy. You want to sit back and relax, letting the fruits come through. Nutmeggy. Vanilla.
Finish: Love it, lingering. Time for some more.
Would I buy it again? Of course. Unbelievable value. Worth a second look on this channel, and I can also recommend the Virgin Oak version, although that lacks a little punch.
