Deanston 20 Years Whisky Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Deanston Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Matured in Oloroso sherry casks for 20 years, showcasing a dedication to traditional and natural processes.
Age Statement: 20 years.
ABV: Cask strength at 55.3%.
Filtration and Color: Non-chill filtered and natural color.
Bottle Design and Color: The whisky is described as having a copper gold color, indicating a rich and inviting appearance. The bottle and packaging details weren't extensively described, but the emphasis on natural ingredients and traditional craftsmanship suggests a design that reflects these values.

Nose: Creamy with vanilla, ripe fruit, and butterscotch, with subtle sweet cherry notes.
Palate: Rich and creamy, balanced with malty sweetness. Flavors of sweet Oloroso, white chocolate, gingerbread, nutmeg, and spicy oak are prominent.
Finish: Long, satisfying, spicy, and lingering.
Overall: The whisky is described as wonderfully creamy and fruity, with a significant sherry influence that doesn't overpower the distillery's character. Adding water reveals lighter flavors and more of the distillery's character, including citrus fruits and sweet oranges.

Distillery Evolution: Deanston's journey from producing a poorly received 12-year-old whisky to crafting highly acclaimed expressions like this 20-year-old is highlighted. This transformation underscores the distillery's commitment to quality and innovation.
Craftsmanship and Ingredients: The whisky is a testament to Deanston's dedication to using the finest local ingredients, including rich local barley and soft water from the River Teith, emphasizing the importance of regional resources and expertise in whisky production.

Local Production: The whisky is celebrated as a regional product, with a focus on local barley, knowledge, and water sources. This not only contributes to the whisky's unique profile but also underscores the significance of geographical and cultural influences in whisky making.

Horst Luening's Endorsement: "It's so wonderful. It's an old sherry cask matured whisky from wonderful casks... This is pure aroma from an old mature whisky, wonderful."
Recommendation: Luening strongly recommends purchasing this whisky if found, praising its quality and expressing hope that it's not too limited for enthusiasts to find.

Deanston 20 Years is a single malt Scotch whisky matured in Oloroso sherry casks, non-chill filtered, and presented at cask strength (55.3% ABV).
It boasts a rich and creamy flavor profile with a balance of sweet, spicy, and malty notes, enhanced by its sherry cask maturation.
The whisky represents a significant evolution in Deanston's product quality, highlighting the distillery's commitment to craftsmanship and the use of local ingredients.
It is highly recommended by the master taster, Horst Luening, for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship, making it a must-buy for whisky enthusiasts.

Whisky Collectors: Given its limited edition status and the distillery's remarkable turnaround story, this bottle is a valuable addition to any collection.
Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the rich, creamy, and fruity profiles typical of sherry cask-aged whiskies will find this expression particularly enjoyable.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: The complexity and depth of flavors, along with the higher ABV, make this whisky more suited to those with a developed palate and appreciation for nuanced spirits.