Deanston 15YO Tequila Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml

Deanston 15YO Tequila Cask Finish is a limited edition Highland single malt Scotch whisky from the Deanston distillery near Doune. It spent 13 years in traditional oak hogsheads, then two more years in ex-tequila barrels from Mexico’s Jalisco Highlands, and it is bottled at 52.5% ABV.

Buy Deanston 15YO Tequila Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky Online in New Zealand

Deanston sits on the River Teith in Perthshire, inside a former cotton mill from the 1700s that was turned into a distillery in the 1960s. The house spirit is fruity, honeyed and slightly waxy, and the distillery likes to pair it with unusual casks. Master Blender Julieann Fernandez chose tequila barrels for this release because she felt the citrus, waxy Deanston character would sit well with the fruity, floral style of Highland Jalisco tequila. In her words, the result is lighter and smoother than you might expect: the agave adds citrus peel, honey and spice, but it does not take over the malt. The whisky is bottled in its natural colour and without chill filtration.

Tequila cask finishes are still rare in Scotch, so this is a good bottle for curious drinkers, whisky clubs and anyone who enjoys both spirits. It is worth tasting next to a standard Deanston 12 to see what the two years in tequila wood have added.

Deanston’s own tasting notes:

Nose: Fresh, with ripe pineapple, crème brûlée, mixed nuts and light oak.

At 52.5% ABV, take a small first sip neat, then add water a few drops at a time; the citrus and honey open up as the strength comes down. Use a tulip glass and skip the ice. It goes well with grilled fish tacos, a lime and coriander salad, ceviche or a lemon tart. Once opened, keep the bottle upright and out of sunlight.