Deanston 10 Years Old 2008 (Small Batch)

A Deanston of a 10 year old chosen by the Campbeltown house Cadenhead, distilled in 2008, bottled at 56.2%, one of 576 bottles. Deanston is a soft, malty Highland single malt from the old Adelphi cotton mill at Doune. It runs an open top mash tun, two wash and two spirit stills of a bulbous shape.

The spirit was made on River Teith water and condensed in shell and tube condensers, the long ferment building a fruity, estery character. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending vanilla and a little coconut. By the integrating teens congeners fade and esters build, the waxy, honeyed spirit growing rounder. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. The long ferment and clear wort give a fruity spirit that ages with grace. It draws water from the River Teith, which also drives the turbine that powers the distillery.

Bottled at a cask strength 56.2%, it is rich. A fruity, waxy sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is fruity and waxy, the malty spirit shining through. Apple, honey and a soft oak spice see out a long finish. This is the cotton mill malt of the River Teith.