Deanston Virgin Oak - 46.3%

 

From the distillery website

Crafted by hand, this Deanston is first matured in ex-bourbon casks from a family run cooperage in Kentucky, creating its subtle but zesty character, the golden spirit is then finished in Virgin Oak casks, adding subtle spicy aromas.  Like all of our single malts, Virgin Oak is non-chill filtered and natural colour.

Nose: Heady virgin oak, bursting with lemon zest and sweet barley sugar, with delicious notes of apple and nutmeg.
Palate: A delightful sweetness, evoking memories of candied fruits and vanilla toffee, balanced with heather honey.
Finish: A satisfying light spice, with a rewarding burst of honeyed malt and sweet oakiness.

Tasting notes:

Appearance: Deep gold, forms a thin line which slowly beads and falls as slow, thin legs.

Nose: Lemon citrus, vanilla, caramel, green apples and the merest hint of barrel char.

Palate: Vanilla caramel toffee, honey sweetness, baking spices provide warmth.

Finish: Medium long, sweet, malty with a hint of oak. Ends with mild tobacco leaf and the faintest trace of smoke. 

Summary: Sweet, but not too sweet. Spicy, but not too spicy. The oak is there, as would be expected, but it’s well balanced and doesn’t overpower. I was expecting this to be very alcohol forward as it’s made with young whisky, but in reality this is a really nicely put together NAS malt. It’s easy to drink and the combination of ex-bourbon and Virgin oak casks has produced enough character to keep the palate interested. At a price of around £35, there is a lot to commend with this one.

If you would like more information on this whisky, or the Deanston distillery, follow the link to the company website.