Scotch

Scotch Whisky Review: Deanston 12 Year Old

For a distillery that didn’t get going until 1965, Deanston has made an impressive name for itself, particularly in the last decade.

OVERALL RATING

8
Like Conversation

Tasting Notes

About:

This is the Deanston 12 Year Old single malt scotch whisky. Part of the core range since the 1970s, the Deanston 12 Year Old was revamped in 2012 under Burn Stewart Distillers. It is bottled at 46.3% ABV.
Appearance:
Pale gold.
Nose:
We’re immediately immersed in sour apples, light waxy candles, and overcooked pastry. It is pleasant.
Palate:
There is some serious pudding notes here. McDonalds apple pies, Tuc biscuits and canned syrup fruits. It’s sweet and cereal notes really sit this one in the breakfast dram category.
Finish:
For me the Deanston 12 is oddly spicy. Not the cinnamon spicy, but leaning more towards pepper spice. Mild Jalapeño territory. The spice dies down and rests at sweet fruits again, like in the palate.
Comments:
I’m not sure that this would sit well with beginners. It is, unmistakably anything other than whisky, but despite the age, has the experience of a 15 year old. A high scorer for a core release. Goodness knows what it would be like at cask strength…

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.

Davis Gonnella

Davis Gonnella, a proud father of five, resides with his partner in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He is passionately dedicated to the world of whisky, with a mission to secure a Designation of Origin Control (DOC) for this beloved spirit. His advocacy also extends to the political realm, where he aims to create a position for a Minister for Whisky Tourism within the Scottish Government. A lifelong ambition of his is to be recognized for his contributions and be made a Keeper of the Quaich.

All Posts

Latest On The Whiskey Wash