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Deanston 14 Year Old Review

We review Deanston 14 Year Old, another expression from Deanston matured in virgin oak casks. Unusual? In this industry, very. Let's see how it tastes.

OVERALL RATING

9
$77.89
  • Rob is an online whisky commentator, podcaster, "whisky mechanic" and a proud Yorkshireman.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Over the years, it seems more and more distilleries and whisky fans are coming around to virgin oak, or new oak casks. Deanston has been experimenting with these casks for a while now, and this organic 14yo is, on paper, another winner.
Appearance:
Light, natural. Chardonnay wine.
Nose:
Warm and sweet. Mulled pear cider, fizzy beer barley, creamy pannacotta, warm vanilla custard, freshly baked sponge cake enveloped by cedar wood smoke. It’s like you’ve climbed inside an old oak mash tun with a head full of cloves and cinnamon.
Palate:
Bright and sharp citrus notes with a beautiful, thick mouthfeel. Lemon sherbets, pear drops, fizzy and effervescent. On the second sip, the palate becomes much lighter. The citrus notes evolve into baked green apples, and that warm, sweet dryness reappears from the nose. Candied citrus peels, marmalade and ginger snaps.
Finish:
A light herbaceousness, warm honey and thyme tea, stirred with a stick of cinnamon and angostura bitters. Incredibly morish and a truly engaging dram.
Comments:
We’ve all heard the consensus that virgin oak casks overwhelm the spirit, and they need to be treated with care. In most instances, this is true, but we should not fear it. This whisky is far more complex than I’d expected it to be. The organic barley spirit pairs beautifully with the oak finish and is a true testament to how Deanston is a true chameleon whisky. I hope we see more aged virgin oak casks in the future, as whisky fans and whisky makers begin to discover that sweet spot.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

The Whisky Mechanic

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