We can no longer claim Deanston to go under the radar, as it is now well-established as a top ten favourite among the hardcore in the Scotch whisky community. The best whiskies defy categorisation, and the myriad of flavours encountered in this refill barrel make it suitably challenging to pin down.
Nose: Auchentoshan 1988 PX Finish reveals sweet notes of fig and raisin, followed by aromas of caramel and vanilla. Feel: On the palate, this single malt reveals flavors of candied fruit, dark chocolate and dried fruit, with a touch of toasted oak. Finish: The finish is long and warm, leaving notes of honey, spice and ripe fruit on the palate.
Nose: Glenturret Maiden Peated Ed. reveals smoky, peaty notes, accompanied by subtle hints of ripe fruit. Feel: On the palate, this single malt reveals intense aromas of peat, honey and spice, offering a rich, complex taste experience. Finish: The finish is long and warm, leaving a lingering sweetness and hints of smoky oak.
Nose: Smooth and soft. Orange cream cake, a hint of vanilla, light slivered almond note and a slight green note. A drop of water enhances the waxy note.
Mouth: Creamy, sweet, note of Seville orange peel before drying out, a little peppery spiciness. A drop of water softens the taste and reduces acidity, but does not alter the overall profile.
Nose: Fairly sweet. Fresh, clean phenols immediately assert themselves, with aromas of fire on a beach and wood ash. They are supported by subtle fruity notes, some sweet, suggesting rowan jelly, others evoking unripe currants. With a drop of water, the ash is more present.
Mouth: Unctuous and with a texture that really fills the mouth, very sweet at first then quickly drying, with a hint of salt and a smoky taste of lip-smacking intensity. A drop of water brings out the sweetness even more, but makes little difference.
Finish: Long, powerfully smoky and drying, with a touch of spice that also lingers in the aftertaste.
Nose: Aberfeldy Equinox & Solstice 10 Year Old reveals subtle aromas of honey, dried fruit and sweet spices. Feel: On the palate, this whisky reveals notes of ripe fruit, creamy vanilla and toasty oak. Finish: The finish is long and balanced, with hints of toffee, walnut and black pepper.
Nose: Torn sourdough, pink grapefruit and camphor oil.
Palate: Barley sugar, green cardamom and crushed lemongrass.
Finish: A complex medley of cereal, fruit, mineral, herbs and spices.