Whisky Review/Tasting: Deanston 18 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Deanston Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Matured in ex-bourbon casks for 18 years. There's a mention of a "bourbon cask finish," suggesting a possible secondary maturation phase in first-fill bourbon casks after an initial period in either first-fill or refill bourbon casks.
Age Statement: 18 years.
ABV: 46.3%, slightly higher than the typical 46% for unchill filtered whiskies.
Color and Clarity: Described as having a "decent color," indicative of its first-fill bourbon cask maturation, uncolored.
Bottle Design: The packaging emphasizes the natural and traditional aspects of the whisky, with references to the local ingredients and the distillery's history.

Balance of Flavors: Well-balanced, complex, with a variety of sweet and spicy notes. Not too strong in the nose despite its age.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky exhibits a "heavenly clouding" when water is added, a desirable trait in unchill filtered whiskies. It has a long and lasting aftertaste, with a pleasant smooth spiciness and no bitterness.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its profile of being sweet, spicy, and complex places it among premium aged single malts with a bourbon cask influence.

Distillery History: Deanston Distillery has been harnessing the power of the River Teith since 1785, with a focus on green energy long before it became fashionable. The distillery's commitment to waiting and allowing the whisky to mature at its own pace is emphasized.
Production Process: The use of local barley, knowledge, and soft water from the River Teith is highlighted, along with the distillery's approach to crafting whisky as an art form.

Local Ingredients and Production: The emphasis on local barley and the soft water from the River Teith underlines the distillery's connection to its geographical location and the natural resources of Scotland.
Sustainability: The mention of the distillery's long-standing use of green energy and sustainable practices adds a layer of cultural significance, aligning with contemporary values around environmental stewardship.

Horst Luening's Opinion: He finds the whisky to be good and anticipates it will sell out by the holiday season of 2015/2016, noting its price as expensive but not unreachable.
Memorable Quote: "We have taken the very best that nature has given us and crafted it into something truly beautiful."

Deanston 18 years is a single malt Scotch whisky matured in ex-bourbon casks, with a complex and well-balanced flavor profile of sweetness and spice.
The distillery emphasizes its use of local ingredients, sustainable practices, and the natural maturation process.
The whisky is described as having a pleasant smooth spiciness, with no bitterness, and a variety of sweet notes including caramel, vanilla, and honey.
The distillery's history and commitment to green energy are highlighted as part of its storytelling.
Horst Luening predicts the whisky will be well-received and sell out quickly due to its quality and the distillery's reputation.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a preference for complex, aged single malts with a bourbon cask influence will likely enjoy Deanston 18 years.
For Environmental Advocates: Individuals interested in sustainable and environmentally friendly production practices may appreciate the distillery's commitment to green energy.
For Collectors: Given the anticipation of it selling out quickly, collectors may want to acquire a bottle for their collection before it becomes scarce.