Deanston – Virgin Oak (70cl, 46.3%)

A Highland single malt from Deanston, bottled by the distillery at 46.3% in a 70cl bottle, without colouring or chill filtration. The whisky is matured first in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in virgin oak, meaning new casks that have not held any other wine or spirit. Virgin oak acts quickly on the spirit, and Deanston has been releasing whiskies matured this way since 2010. The nose is led by virgin oak, with lemon zest, barley sugar, apple and nutmeg. The palate is sweet, with candied fruits, vanilla toffee and heather honey. The finish brings light spice, honeyed malt and sweet oak.