Deanston – 18 Year Old (70cl, 46.3%)

Deanston 18 Year Old is a Highland single malt bottled by the distillery at 46.3% ABV in a 70cl bottle, without colouring or chill filtration. It was matured in first-fill bourbon casks and joined the core range in 2015. Deanston is described as a modern Highland distillery, now receiving far more appreciation after a long period of being overlooked. Burn Stewart and its owners, Distell, have revamped almost every aspect of its output. The nose is aromatic, floral, grassy and malty, with American oak, honey, tobacco and nutmeg. On the palate there is gingerbread, vanilla and barley sugar, with white pepper, Manuka honey and citrus. The finish is dry and spicy, with honeyed ginger warmth.