TASTING 3  

East Linton Auction Mart on November 22nd at 7.30pm. This event is being supported by Deanston Distillery 

Their representative Garry Ford took us through 6 whiskies from their core range including one mystery dram. In addition to the whisky tasting we invited sword cutler and Master-At-Arms Maestro Paul Macdonald to entertain, with his rich knowledge and tales of historical combat from across the ages. Food for the evening : a traditional spread of haggis, neeps, and tatties. 

1. Deanston 12-Year-Old

• Nose: Fresh and malty, with notes of honey, citrus, and a hint of vanilla. There’s also a touch of oak and gentle floral notes.

• Palate: Light and smooth, featuring flavors of honey, malt, and orchard fruits like apples and pears. A hint of spice and a touch of oak balance the sweetness.

• Finish: Medium, with lingering honey sweetness, subtle spice, and a touch of oak.

2. Deanston Virgin Oak

• Nose: Rich and creamy with vanilla, fresh oak, and caramel. There’s also a touch of citrus zest and light spice from the virgin oak casks.

• Palate: Sweet and full-bodied, with flavors of vanilla, toffee, and a hint of coconut. Oak spices, like clove and nutmeg, add depth.

• Finish: Medium, with a gentle sweetness and lingering oak spice.

3. Deanston 18-Year-Old

• Nose: Complex and rich, with aromas of honey, malt, and toffee. Hints of citrus zest, apricots, and soft spices add to the depth.

• Palate: Full-bodied, with a silky texture, featuring flavors of caramel, dried fruits, and honey. Subtle spices and a hint of dark chocolate provide complexity.

• Finish: Long and warming, with lingering notes of honey, malt, and gentle oak spice.

4. Deanston 12-Year-Old Madeira Cask Finish

• Nose: Rich with sweet honey, tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, and a touch of spice. The Madeira cask imparts a fruity depth.

• Palate: Full-bodied and sweet, with notes of ripe fruits, honey, and caramel. The Madeira influence adds a rich, fruity complexity, along with a slight nuttiness.

• Finish: Long and warming, with lingering sweetness from the Madeira cask and a hint of spice.

5. Deanston 14-Year-Old Spanish Oak

• Nose: Bold with dark chocolate, rich dried fruits like raisins and figs, and a hint of espresso. There’s also a subtle nuttiness.

• Palate: Rich and powerful, with flavors of dark chocolate, sherry-like dried fruits, and a hint of oak spice. The Spanish oak adds a depth of tannins and warmth.

• Finish: Long and intense, with lingering dark chocolate, oak, and warming spices.

6. Deanston 15-Year-Old Marsala Cask Finish

• Nose: Fruity and slightly spiced, with notes of apricots, grapes, and a hint of honey. There’s also a subtle earthiness and oak influence.

• Palate: Sweet and rich, with flavors of dried fruits, honey, and toffee. The Marsala cask brings a hint of raisins and a slight winey note.

• Finish: Long, with lingering fruit sweetness, gentle spices, and a touch of oak.

This Deanston selection offers a great variety, from the classic malty profile of the 12-Year-Old to the rich, complex flavours of cask finishes like the Madeira and Marsala. Let me know if you want more recommendations based on these tasting profiles!