Deanston 11 Years Old 2006 Cask #900124 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage bottled this Deanston, an 11 year old, distilled in 2006, from cask 900124, bottled at 47.9%, one of 864 bottles. Deanston is a soft, malty Highland single malt from the old Adelphi cotton mill at Doune. The distillery sits on the River Teith near Doune, between Stirling and the Highlands.

It was run through the bulbous stills with their upward sloping lyne arms, giving the soft, malty Highland spirit. Finished in an Oloroso cask, the wood building over the green, waxy fruit. Integration folds eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) into the malt, the body softer and waxier. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. The cool, even temperature of the old weaving shed gives a slow, steady maturation. Refill oak lets the waxy, honeyed Deanston character lead the way.

At a hearty 47.9% it carries real weight. Apple, pear and a soft honey, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Soft orchard fruit and honey sit behind the cask. The close is waxy and warming, fruit over a gentle oak. This is a Highland single malt of real character.