Deanston 14 Years Old 2008 Cask #KI-0011 (Kirsch Import)

This Deanston was bottled by the bottler Kirsch Import, a 14 year old, distilled in 2008, from cask KI-0011, bottled at 55.8%. Deanston is a honeyed, waxy Highland malt distilled beside the River Teith since 1966. It runs an open top mash tun, two wash and two spirit stills of a bulbous shape.

Run through the bulbous stills with their upward sloping lyne arms, giving the soft, malty Highland spirit. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a soft vanilla beneath the honey. Integration folds eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) into the malt, the body softer and waxier. The clean, fruity spirit shows the cask clearly, vanilla and honey to the fore. The cool, even temperature of the old weaving shed gives a slow, steady maturation. The light, fruity make takes cask flavour well while keeping its honey and wax. It was mothballed in 1982 and revived in 1990 under Burn Stewart.

At its natural 55.8% it is concentrated. A bright, honeyed orchard fruit, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The texture is soft and waxy, the fruit lifted by vanilla. Apple, honey and a soft oak spice see out a long finish. This is a waxy, honeyed Highland single malt.