Deanston 20 Years Old 1999 Prenzlow Portfolio (Jack Wiebers Whisky World)

From the bottler Jack Wiebers Whisky World, a 20 year old Deanston, distilled in 1999, bottled at 49.2%, one of 120 bottles. Deanston is a waxy, honeyed Highland malt made in a former mill on the banks of the Teith. The distillery sits on the River Teith near Doune, between Stirling and the Highlands.

The spirit was worked through a long ferment and the bulbous stills for a waxy, fruity make, building the honeyed Deanston style. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a light vanilla and a soft honey. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins add a gentle, drying grip to the honey. Years in oak round the spirit, the green apple and honey deepening over the wax. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the soft Highland spirit. The site was the Adelphi cotton mill, built in 1785 by Sir Richard Arkwright and turned to whisky in 1965.

At cask strength 49.2% it is full bodied. Apple, pear and a soft honey, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A dried fruit and a soft oak give it depth. Apple, honey and a soft oak spice see out a long finish. This is Deanston's waxy, fruity Highland style.