Deanston 18YO Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml

Deanston 18YO comes from Deanston Distillery, close to the town of Doune in Perthshire, on the southern edge of the Highlands. This single malt spends 18 years in ex-bourbon barrels of American white oak, and Deanston skips chill filtering before bottling it at 46.3% ABV.

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Deanston has an unusual home. Whisky is made inside a cotton mill that dates from 1785 and stands beside the River Teith. Textiles were produced there for well over 150 years, and distilling only began in the 1960s. Today the same river that drove the looms feeds the distillery’s hydro-electric turbines, so it generates its own power. The spirit is known for a waxy, honeyed character, and the bourbon casks build on that with vanilla, honey and spice.

Deanston’s own tasting notes:

Nose: Aromatic and oak-led, with floral, malty and grassy notes, vanilla and honey, and hints of tobacco and nutmeg.

Palate: Sweet and spicy, with citrus, barley sugar, gingerbread, Manuka honey and white pepper.

Finish: Dry and spicy, with a warming tail of ginger and honey.

Among Deanston’s regular bottlings the 18 is one of the oldest, and it is a step up in depth from the 12 Year Old, with more oak and spice. It suits drinkers who like bourbon-cask malts such as Glenmorangie or Balvenie and want something less familiar. At 46.3% and non-chill filtered, it has a full, oily texture.

Pour it neat into a nosing glass and let it rest a minute. A splash of water will bring out the honey and citrus. It pairs well with smoked salmon, roast pork, a hard cheese such as aged Gouda, or a ginger loaf. Kept upright and sealed, an opened bottle holds its character for a long time.