Deanston 15 Years Old Cask #Batch 1

An official release of Deanston, a 15 year old, cask Batch 1, at 46.3%, 3000 bottles in all. Deanston is a Highland single malt, the old cotton mill at Doune turned distillery in 1966. It draws water from the River Teith, which also drives the turbine that powers the distillery.

It was mashed in the open top tun and fermented long for a fruity make, for the waxy, honeyed make Deanston is known for. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a soft vanilla beneath the honey. Through oxidative maturity esters concentrate, apple and pear turning honeyed over the waxy body. River Teith water and a long ferment give the fruity, estery Deanston make. Its wash is fermented long, for a fruity, estery character. Maturing in the vaulted stone warehouse, the spirit develops slow and steady. Its old weaving shed, once full of looms, is now a cool stone warehouse for the casks. Long ageing turns the fresh fruit towards honey, dried fruit and a soft spice.

Reduced to 46.3%, it is mellow. Green apple, honey and a waxy malt, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is fruity and waxy, the malty spirit shining through. It finishes long, waxy and warming. This is the cotton mill malt of the River Teith.