Deanston 10 Years Old 2014 Cask #1149 (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd.)

A Deanston of a 10 year old chosen by the bottler The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd, distilled in 2014, from cask 1149, bottled at 52.5%, one of 330 bottles. Deanston is a Highland single malt distilled in a converted cotton mill on the River Teith near Doune. The mill ran for 180 years before cotton declined and the site became a distillery.

The spirit was made on River Teith water and condensed in shell and tube condensers, building the honeyed Deanston style. Maturation came in a Sauternes cask, layered over the fruity Deanston make. 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 waxy texture is the Deanston signature, carried through the years in cask. It was mothballed in 1982 and revived in 1990 under Burn Stewart.

At cask strength 52.5% it is full bodied. Apple, pear and a soft honey, with honeyed apricot and a candied citrus from the cask. Soft orchard fruit and honey sit behind the cask. The finish is rounded, honeyed and gently spiced. This is Deanston's waxy, fruity Highland style.