Deanston was something we found at one of the rare Whiskey Wednesday events that we actually have been able to go to, and it’s something we’ve come back to a few times. For those unaware Whiskey Wednesday’s is a meeting at Julio’s Liquors which basically involves them opening their basement to a bunch of whiskey tastings (god we wish we lived closer)
Now despite the astounding literature that they provide, we’ve always like Deanston for being a great budget single malt on par with GlenMacnish. We typically prefer the Virgin Oak as you can often even find it cheaper than the $30 price listed below.
What they Say: “What you have in your hand is the very best that nature, knowledge and patience can provide. Un-chill filtered, it retains all of its natural flavour and character.
On the nose, Virgin Oak tantalises the senses with a light lemon zest and sweet barley sugar fragrance with hints of apple and nutmeg. Then, as it coats your mouth, think candied fruits with vanilla toffee and heather honey. Now for the finish, delicious and lightly spiced with a burst of honeyed malt and sweet oakiness – unmistakeably Deanston!”
Taste: 7.0 – It starts off lighter, but full of flavor – I like it.
Aftertaste: 5.0 – Here though the aftertaste is brief, and while it’s not bad it’s like it forgot what to do.
Burn/Smooth: 6.5 – There’s a mild burn, but the warmth stays with you for long, and is well received.
Aroma: 6.5 –It does have a nice more fruity smell than you would expect for a Highland scotch.
Honesty: 4.0 – Sorry but while it is a single malt scotch, that text above is literally dripping with wank, and for that it loses points.
Mixability: 7.5
W/ Rocks: 7.5 – Here it changes from a fruity light scotch to an in your face oak and smokiness, and it’s why we continue to really like Deanston
Value: 7.0 – It still maintains to be a great scotch for the price and because we’ve found it even cheaper – it does rather well here.
Google Shop Average: $30
Website: http://deanstonmalt.com/
Reviewer Scores:
BuffaloJern: 6.5
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Metric Score: 43.5/70 |+| Metric Average: 6.21 |+| Reviewer Average: 6.5
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Final Thoughts: While I’m not huge on the standard Deanston, the Virgin Oak remains to be a favorite – especially for the price point.
