Deanston 13 Years Old 2012 Cask #805629 (Alistair Walker Whisky Company)

This Deanston was bottled by the Alistair Walker Whisky Company, a 13 year old, distilled in 2012, from cask 805629, bottled at 57.9%, one of 348 bottles. Deanston is a soft, malty Highland single malt from the old Adelphi cotton mill at Doune. Its flagship is the 12 year old, bottled unchillfiltered at 46.3%.

Run through the bulbous stills with their upward sloping lyne arms, the long ferment building a fruity, estery character. Maturation came in a Pedro Ximenez cask, layered over the fruity Deanston make. Integration folds eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) into the malt, the body softer and waxier. Maturing in the vaulted stone warehouse, the spirit develops slow and steady. The spirit is condensed in shell and tube condensers for a clean, fruity make. River Teith water and a long ferment give the fruity, estery Deanston make. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit.

At cask strength 57.9% it is full bodied. Green fruit, honey and a soft spice, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. A baked apple and a gentle clove lift it. The finish runs long, fruity and warming. This is a Highland single malt of real character.