I know Deanston has released some popular limited edition in recent years, it’s just that so far I haven’t found a Deanston that really convinced me. A handfill that I tried a little while back was an absolute low point. So I figured I should try my hand at a core range expression. I don’t have much to tell about Deanston 18-year-old, except for that it matured in first-fill bourbon casks, so let’s just go ahead with the tasting notes.
Deanston 18 Years Old (46.3%, OB, 2019)
Nose: Very fresh… minty-fresh almost at first, with a hint of milk chocolate. There’s room for some orchard fruits as well (ripe apples, mainly), with a touch of dried grass and straw. Vanilla and ripe banana too. Finally, a whiff of sweet tobacco.
Taste: Some soft tannins go hand in hand with lemon zest and oranges, and there’s a hint of fresh ginger as well. Nice creaminess, by the way.
Finish: Subtle spices (cloves). Medium in length.
Score: 83
Good, decent whisky from Deanston, yet not very exciting or adventurous. Fairly priced for its age though.
Photo: The Whisky Exchange