Deanston 12 Year Old

I had been looking forward to getting my hands on a bottle of this for a while. It's one of those that nearly everyone likes, with some well-respected reviewers gushing in their praise. Bottle is half full and been open a couple of months. Review is neat but sat for fifteen mins.

Nose - Immediately fruity and honeyed with ripe green apples and a little satsuma. Lots of caramel toffee and nicely malty. Some soft baking spices, vanilla and turmeric - there's a mustiness I've struggled to pin down. Light but full, if that makes any sense?

Taste - Juicy and mouth watering with a somewhat oily mouthfeel. More toffee, spices, vanilla and sweet malt. Fresh and sweet oak notes too.

Finish - shortish, or crisp, if you prefer? Becomes drier with some nicely bitter tannins and a little more toffee hanging on in there.

I prefer this neat but water accentuates the sweeter notes and it becomes a little more floral.

This is a really good 12 year old and, for the money (under £40) is very good value. More in the lighter, summery style but not without some complexity and character. Very quaffable malt whisky, no more need be said.

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