Deanston 10 Years Old 2009 Cask #105 (Whiskymax)

A 10 year old Deanston from the bottler Whiskymax, distilled in 2009, from cask 105, bottled at 46.5%, one of 270 bottles. Deanston is a Highland single malt distilled in a converted cotton mill on the River Teith near Doune. It runs an open top mash tun, two wash and two spirit stills of a bulbous shape.

The spirit was run through the bulbous stills with their upward sloping lyne arms, for a clean, fruity spirit with a waxy edge. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the waxy malt lead. Integration folds eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) into the malt, the body softer and waxier. A gentle maturation suits the soft make, the honey and wax growing richer with time. Refill oak lets the waxy, honeyed Deanston character lead the way. The cool, even temperature of the old weaving shed gives a slow, steady maturation. Deanston is the only distillery in Scotland to generate all its own power from the river.

Bottled at 46.5%, it is rounded. A bright, honeyed orchard fruit, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A baked apple and a gentle clove lift it. Apple, honey and a soft oak spice see out a long finish. This is a fruity, unchillfiltered Highland single malt.