Deanston 16 Years Old 1997 Cask #1350 (Signatory)

A Deanston of a 16 year old chosen by the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, distilled in 1997, from cask 1350, bottled at 46%, one of 778 bottles. Deanston is a green, honeyed Highland malt from the Teith valley, the only Scottish distillery to make its own power. It was mothballed in 1982 and revived in 1990 under Burn Stewart.

The spirit was run through the bulbous stills with their upward sloping lyne arms, for a clean, fruity spirit with a waxy edge. It was matured in an Oloroso cask, the wood working slowly into the waxy malt. Into oxidative maturity, slow air ingress builds fruity ethyl esters (apple and pear) and a honeyed depth over the wax. The long ferment and clear wort give a fruity spirit that ages with grace. The spirit is condensed in shell and tube condensers for a clean, fruity make. It uses 100% Scottish barley and bottles its malt unchillfiltered, with no added colour.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow. A waxy, malty sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Pear, honey and a creamy malt fill the middle. The finish runs long, fruity and warming. This is a green, honeyed Highland malt with a waxy heart.