Deanston 12 Year Old 1999 Oloroso Cask – Glenkeir Treasures Selection (40%, The Whisky Shop, 2011)

• ABV: 40%
• Age: 12 Years Old
• Bottling: The Whisky Shop, Glenkeir Treasures Selection
• Category: Highland single malt scotch whisky
• Cost: £44 for 50cl
• Origin: Deanston Distillery
• Vintage: 1999

What they say

Distilled at Deanston distillery in 1999 and matured for a minimum of 12 years. Finished in Oloroso wood, a rich, fruity and sumptuous malt that is utterly unique. Bottled at 40% volume.

What I say

Deanston is one of my favourite ’boutiquey’ distilleries at the moment. They are not particularly well-known or mainstream and have relatively few expressions, unless of course you visit their distillery near Doune. I spotted this 12 year old Oloroso sherry matured version in the Whisky Shop as part of their ‘bottle your own from the cask’ Glenkeir Treasure Selection, so a wee 10cl was on the cards. I was not disappointed…

My tasting notes:

• Colour: Deep ruby amber
• Nose: Sherry leather fizz, old leather couch, tannic and fruity with that Deanston malted barley aroma
• Taste: Creamy chocolate malted milkshake, thick and viscous with oodles of toffee and juicy red berry fruits, reminded me a little of Harvey’s Bristol Cream sherry.
• Finish: Long, drying with spices, then sweet salted caramels and chocolate with macadamia/brazil nut oil and a fruity aftertaste

Score: 86/100

Would I buy it again:

Indeed, this is an absolute stunner from the Glenkeir Treasures Selection, a perfect example of that Deanston signature malt with all it’s inherent toffee sweetness and cereal barley body but layered with thick creamy fruit & nut chocolate bar derived from the sherry.