Deanston 12 Year

Rating: 14/23 I had forgotten about this sample until after I purchased and reviewed my Cadenhead's Deanston 19, so I'm tasting it now to assess it. Nose: Not much character here. A faint sweetness with tangerine and a hint of grain, perhaps some malt binding them. Maybe a whisper of wax, but that could just be my expectation from a recent Deanston experience. There's also a trace of immature spirit in the aroma. It's not a bad nose, just incredibly uninteresting. Palate: The palate has a pleasant richness and medium viscosity. There's a noticeable burn, but it's not overpowering. It presents a malty, sweet nectar with tangerine and vanilla, plus a bit of coconut. The burn releases a strong spice with notes of cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and clove. There's a subtle hint of immature spirit, but not much. Despite the character it adds, this lacks any sulfur or significant ethanol presence. Overall, it's a mostly pleasant, balanced palate with some robust flavors due to the slightly elevated proof. It's enjoyable, though not exceptionally engaging, and the burn becomes slightly uncomfortable. Finish: The malt continues, becoming a little more bitter with an increase in grain notes. Possibly a hint of wood. Some vanilla nectar, with faint tangerine undertones. The burn persists, though the specific spices fade. - Conclusion - This doesn't possess the same intensity, distinct flavors, waxiness, or tropical fruit notes as the Cadenhead's Deanston 19 (1994) (rated 15/23). However, it also has considerably less burn. It appears Deanston spirits tend to be fiery, unfortunately. The Deanston 19, at 56.4% ABV, has a more intense burn but significantly better flavor. This offering has a more generic profile that I appreciate but don't find particularly memorable. The Loch Lomond 12 (rated 16/23) is more challenging but offers a more enjoyable funkiness overall. It's also substantially less harsh. This spirit has more conventional scotch flavors that harmonize well, but the Loch Lomond is richer and more intriguing. As expected, the Monkey Shoulder (rated 14/23) is much smoother with more noticeable alcohol. It's difficult to compare these two directly. I'm leaning towards this one winning. Monkey Shoulder is at the lower end of a 14 rating, so this could still be a 14. I think it's a 14 or a 15. The Old Pulteney (rated 14/23) is more muddled, yet it still reveals some pleasant flavors and decent complexity. These two spirits are quite similar in quality. There are some genuinely nice flavors here. It's not incredibly exciting, but it's still quite good. The burn holds it back somewhat, but not as severely as the Deanston 19. I'm undecided between a high 14 and a low 15. The burn is the deciding factor; therefore, I rate it a 14. A final sip of Loch Lomond 12 reinforces my belief that even without the excessive burn, this wouldn't surpass it.

I acquired this following a recommendation from some commentators I follow. 46.3% ABV, 12 years old, Highland region, bottled with integrity. Nose: Honey, apricot, grass, lavender, orange zest, ethanol. Taste after adding 2ml of water, 15 minutes later: The texture is moderately oily, somewhat heavy, with little to no distinct sweetness. The flavor begins with a hint of honey, lavender, and peaches. The middle taste shifts to grass and scorched orange peel. The whisky has a lengthy finish with white pepper and a touch of dry smoke. The aftertaste is long and becomes slightly astringent towards the end. There also appears to be a subtle saltiness in the background. Adding 3ml more water reveals a very robust, malty character in the mid-palate. This is the first Highland single malt that has genuinely impressed me by taking the typical honey profile and introducing significant complexity. I believe the distillery's commitment to integrity preserves its quality. Allow this whisky some time in the glass. I've discovered that 30 minutes truly opens it up and allows it to evolve over time. I don't appreciate this as much as something like Tailsker 10 or even some American bourbons over 50% ABV, but it holds its own for an Ex-bourbon cask Highland. It should not be rated a 79; it's performing at a minimum of 85+. I'll give them some leeway as I've heard this offering has greatly improved since 2017.

I admit to overlooking Deanston somewhat, and I'm not even sure why. I've always considered it the least compelling distillery in the Distell lineup. On the nose, apple pie, honeydew melon, and lemongrass blend with malty and cereal-rich notes. Nothing stands out prominently, but it's quite pleasing. Spicy and drying flavors are a surprise on the palate before it smooths out with juicy fruits, peppery oak, and a touch of cider. A few drops of water help. Orange zest, honey, and lingering spices transition into a savory and floral finish. I am certainly not let down. RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars = 84 pts -> ABOVE AVERAGE

Okay... we start this rather strangely, but I taste it as creamy with flavors of carrot cake, soft caramel, and honey. I'm not sure what's happening with my taste buds, but that's what it tastes like:p I also detect cereal and fruit notes, like apple. The finish has a touch of spice (ginger, pepper, cinnamon), adding an extra dimension to the tasting. In summary, if you appreciate a smooth, fruity Highland scotch with bourbon notes, Old Particular, Deanston 12 Year Old might be an excellent choice.

Nose: Rather light, with green apple, oak, malt, vanilla, toffee, grassy notes, and a perfumed floral scent. Palate: Creamy, malty, oak, citrus, tropical fruits, quite sweet but followed by some spiciness. Finish: Medium, malty and spicy with some lingering tropical fruit. Overall: Deanston 12 is a fantastic whisky I'd gladly revisit; while its flavor profile isn't the most unique, they've executed the fundamentals perfectly, resulting in a very satisfying dram.

Quite amusing. I've been consuming a lot of del maguey lately and I enjoy this. I perceive the same notes as when I initially tasted it, likely influenced by drinking tequila and mezcal earlier that day. Nice texture. I appreciate the subtle orange and faint pear in the middle taste. Pleasant earthy notes in the aftertaste. I don't really require a full bottle of this, but I might order it at a bar sometime. I am certainly open to trying other expressions from this distillery that I haven't experienced yet.