Deanston 10 Years Old 2009 Cask #HQF 8108 (Huang Qing Feng)

From the bottler Huang Qing Feng, a 10 year old Deanston, distilled in 2009, from cask HQF 8108, bottled at 57.3%, one of 17 bottles. Deanston is a honeyed, waxy Highland malt distilled beside the River Teith since 1966. It uses 100% Scottish barley and bottles its malt unchillfiltered, with no added colour.

The spirit was run through the bulbous stills with their upward sloping lyne arms, for the waxy, honeyed make Deanston is known for. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a light vanilla and a soft honey. Integration folds eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) into the malt, the body softer and waxier. Unchillfiltered and at natural colour, it keeps the full waxy body in the glass. 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. Long ageing turns the fresh fruit towards honey, dried fruit and a soft spice.

At 57.3%, undiluted, it is deep and honeyed. A bright, honeyed orchard fruit, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A baked apple and a gentle clove lift it. The finish is rounded, honeyed and gently spiced. This is a Highland single malt of real character.