Today indie Deanston


November 29, 2023

WF's little duos, today indie Deanston
(further up)

Deanston has become one of many enthusiasts' favourites, I'm even wondering if they're not about to overtake The Macallan these days. All they would need is a Deanston Damien Hirst Edition and presto, voilà! Or maybe a Gilbert & George Release?

Deanston 11 yo 2011/2023 'Magnificent Desolation' (57.5%, The Whisky Barrel, 1st fill bourbon barrel, cask #TWB1033, 242 bottles)

The words magnificent desolation have nothing to do with this wee whisky, they were what Buzz Aldrin said while on the moon in 1969. In any case I'm glad to have a pure BB Deanston today. Colour: white wine. Nose: this is almost kirschwasser. You even get the stones, then lemons in all their guises and just a few drops of seawater. Or an oyster. With water: apples and gooseberries chiming in, that's all. In essence, a malt whisky sculpted with surgical precision. Mouth (neat): At this stage, it's ultra-precise on the lemon and green apple. A hint of dark chocolate in the background but otherwise, that's it and it's quite something. With water: it becomes fruitier, with pear and cranberry, and also a bit more rounded, with a touch of nougat. But aside from that, it remains meticulous. Finish: medium, still fruity, in a straightforward and honest way. Apple, pear, peach, and lemon. Comments: Tasting this simple yet extremely delightful malt (ah, that fresh peach in the finish), one understands why the distillery owners are experimenting with all sorts of finishes. They clearly know what they're doing... In any case, this little lunar Deanston is absolutely excellent.
SGP:651 - 87 points.

Deanston 1997/2023 (51.6%, The Whisky Jury for The Antelope, Macau, refill hogshead, cask #1966, 257 bottles)

We're now almost at the Rijk with The Whisky Jury. However, I do hope they've made sure that all these historical figures on the labels were not fiercely abstinent in their time. Ha. Colour: straw. Nose: It's a very similar style, naturally, perhaps a bit more floral this time, with little hints of lavender (but not like Bowmore 1985) or violet (but not like Bowmore 1985) and orange blossom water, like in a freshly made panettone since the season is almost upon us. Very nice candied citrus fruits. With water: more on the barley, cut hay, and dried flowers. Mouth (neat): superb cask. Candied mandarins, star anise, beeswax, liquorice, myrtle liqueur and a mouthfeel that is absolutely perfect… Wow wow wow. With water: swims like a champion and becomes more mineral, with chalk and a sensation of slate and oyster shell. It's perfect. Finish: not so long, but as fresh as it is rich, which is a little miracle, let's admit. A drop of green Chartreuse at the very end of the finish. Comments: what a beautiful distillate! I wonder if those enthusiasts I mentioned in my very modest little introduction might not be entirely right. Well, to catch a bottle of this little wonder, you'll have to go to Macao. Fortunately, Singapore Airlines flies there from Charles-de-Gaulle, and so does China Eastern, so all is well. China Eastern is much less expensive, of course. Grand little Deanston in any case.
SGP:561 - 90 points.

Check the index of all Deanstons we've tasted so far