Deanston 25 Years Old 1999 White Label (Sansibar)

The bottler Sansibar bottled this Deanston, a 25 year old, distilled in 1999, bottled at 51.3%, one of 213 bottles. Deanston is a green, honeyed Highland malt from the Teith valley, the only Scottish distillery to make its own power. Its flagship is the 12 year old, bottled unchillfiltered at 46.3%.

The spirit was made on River Teith water and condensed in shell and tube condensers, for the waxy, honeyed make Deanston is known for. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the waxy malt lead. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a drying structure while oxidation builds a richer, honeyed fruit. A gentle maturation suits the soft make, the honey and wax growing richer with time. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. River Teith water and a long ferment give the fruity, estery Deanston make.

At 51.3%, undiluted, it is deep and honeyed. A waxy, malty sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is buttery and waxy, the fruit on a honeyed body. A honeyed finish ends on apple and a fiery oak spice. This is Deanston, the mill turned distillery on the Teith.