Deanston 14 Years Old 1977 (Authentic Collection)

The Campbeltown house Cadenhead bottled this Deanston, a 14 year old, distilled in 1977, bottled at 55.8%. Deanston is a soft, malty Highland single malt from the old Adelphi cotton mill at Doune. Its wash is fermented long, for a fruity, estery character.

It was worked through a long ferment and the bulbous stills for a waxy, fruity make, building the honeyed Deanston style. 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. Refill oak lets the waxy, honeyed Deanston character lead the way. Its flagship is the 12 year old, bottled unchillfiltered at 46.3%. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. Unchillfiltered and at natural colour, it keeps the full waxy body in the glass. The site was the Adelphi cotton mill, built in 1785 by Sir Richard Arkwright and turned to whisky in 1965.

At 55.8%, undiluted, it is deep and honeyed. Honey, malt and a gentle clove, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Pear, honey and a creamy malt fill the middle. The finish is long, waxy and gently spiced. This is Deanston's waxy, fruity Highland style.