Whisky Review/Tasting: Deveron 12 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The Deveron 12 years originates from the Macduff distillery, located in the Royal Burg of Banff, very north of Speyside, close to the shore, and situated at the river Deveron.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whisky features a unique distillation process with wash stills having upright condensers, which is different from the traditional horizontal condensers. This design ensures more contact with copper, leading to catalytic conversions of tasting compounds, resulting in a smoother taste. The age statement is 12 years.
Color and Bottle Design: The bottle is described as stylish, with a lightly green color and a silky surface achieved through acid treatment. The design includes fancy labels, a tube matching the capsule's color at the top, and a labeled cork, aiming to present a modern bottle with an old look.

Nose: Fruity with green apples, citrus peel, butterscotch, and a hint of vanilla. It presents a warm, welcoming, and smooth aroma without any sharpness of alcohol.
Palate: Sweet initially, transitioning to spiciness from the oak and developing peppery notes at the front of the tongue. The fruitiness becomes darker with a toasted, not burnt, note. The second sip reveals ginger spiciness, maintaining some sweetness and a citrus note in the background.
Finish: The aftertaste is slightly drier, with oakiness persisting, described as complex with a warming, rewarding aftertaste.

The Deveron 12 years is a rebranding of the previously known Glen Deveron, showcasing a new, modern bottle design while retaining its heritage from the Macduff distillery. The distillery's unique distillation process, emphasizing the role of copper in producing smoother tasting compounds, is highlighted as a significant aspect of its production.

The Macduff distillery's location near the river Deveron in the Royal Burg of Banff, Speyside, is emphasized, linking the whisky's character to its geographical context. The use of river water from the Deveron for condensation in the distillation process connects the whisky to its local environment.

Horst Luening, the mastertaster, expresses a strong liking for the whisky, describing it as having "no sharp edges with an interesting beginning, complex middle, and a wonderful warming, rewarding aftertaste."

Deveron 12 years is a single malt Scotch whisky from the Macduff distillery, featuring a unique distillation process for a smoother taste.
The whisky has a complex flavor profile with a balance of sweetness, fruitiness, spiciness, and oakiness.
The modern bottle design pays homage to its heritage while presenting a new look.
The geographical location and the use of local river water in the distillation process highlight its cultural significance.
The expert opinion praises the whisky for its complexity and rewarding aftertaste.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in the technical aspects of whisky production will appreciate the unique distillation process and the role of copper.
For Beginners: The smooth, complex flavor profile without sharp edges makes it an excellent choice for those new to whisky tasting.
For Collectors: The modern yet heritage-rich bottle design and the transition from Glen Deveron to Deveron make it a noteworthy addition to any collection.