Deanston 14 Years Old Organic
What they say
Not currently listed at https://www.deanstonmalt.com/
Deanston launched a 15 Years Old Organic whisky in 2016, this 14 year old version was released the following year.
What I say
Certified organic produce (food/whisky) must be made using methods that comply with organic farming standards. In the UK these standards are regulated by the Soil Association. Until recently Deanston joined a select group of Organic scotch single malt whisky producers, led by Bruichladdich and Benromach. This group also quietly included Loch Lomond distillery. Organic production is perhaps seen as less novelty and more de-rigeur to the ethos of modern distilleries such as Nc’nean. A traditional distillery producing batches of organic whisky requires a complete clean of the distillery equipment so as to prevent contamination from non-organic batches of distillate. This includes not re-circulating low wines/feints for re-distillation etc. within the organic batch. So a fairly laborious and expensive process and hence rarely adopted. Does this make for better whisky? I’m still on the fence, however what it does do is reduce the process back to its ‘batch’ origins and therefore is capable of making a more characterful whisky.
- ABV 46.3%
- Age 14 Years Old
- Bottler Distell
- Bottling Official
- Cask Virgin oak finished
- Category Single Malt Whisky
- Cost £70
- Origin Deanston distillery
- Outturn Undisclosed
- Region Highlands
- Released 2017
- Vintage Undisclosed
My tasting notes:
- Appearance White wine gold (5/20), fine tears and legs.
- Nose Sweet, malty and mealy, a touch of copper or tin metallic, barley sugars, citrus lemon and zesty orange, cedar and oak wood, sharp, grassy hay and some creamy vanilla fudge.
- Taste Light-medium bodied, citric and zesty lemon and lime, lemon meringue pie, brass pennies/copper metallic, quite pronounced on the palate, some earthy toffee and chocolate, white pepper, sappy cedar and pine and white oak wood.
- Finish Medium-long, creamy vanilla, dried mango and pink peppercorn spice.
- Overall Quite ‘raw’ tasting with more than a hint of copper giving a real new make spirit vibe and lots of sappy wood thanks to the virgin oak finish, overall educational and enjoyable.
Score 83/100
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