Deanston Virgin Oak Cask #Batch 1

This official Deanston, cask Batch 1, at 58.5%. Deanston is a Highland single malt distilled in a converted cotton mill on the River Teith near Doune. It runs an open top mash tun, two wash and two spirit stills of a bulbous shape.

The spirit was distilled from unpeated Scottish barley in bulbous copper stills, for the waxy, honeyed make Deanston is known for. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the fruity spirit. No age is given, but vanillin vanilla and a soft honey are well integrated over a waxy body. Unchillfiltered and at natural colour, it keeps the full waxy body in the glass. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. The long ferment and clear wort give a fruity spirit that ages with grace. Its flagship is the 12 year old, bottled unchillfiltered at 46.3%. The cool, even temperature of the old weaving shed gives a slow, steady maturation.

At a natural 58.5% it is full and waxy. Honey, malt and a gentle clove, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Soft orchard fruit and honey sit behind the cask. The finish is rounded, honeyed and gently spiced. This is a green, honeyed Highland malt with a waxy heart.