Deanston 2009 Organic Cask No. 28

Review #055 Type: single malt scotch Strength: 54.9% Details: single cask bottling, distilled in 2009 and bottled November 2021, so either 11 or 12 years old, olorosso maturation, hand filled at Deanston Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Brown Sherry color. Swirling shows a thin line clinging to the glass, legs form slowly. Nose: 17/20 Cherries covered in chocolate, raisins, baking spices, and a deep, damp, earthy scent. More time resting also revealed some roasted malt sweetness. Palate: 34/40 The first taste is quite spicy, but it evolves with subsequent sips. Orange zest and lemon citrus, milk chocolate, and vanilla. Finish: 36/40 A pleasant long finish. Slightly salty, beginning with hints of charcoal (especially noticeable at the back of my mouth), transitioning to black tea, then oak tannins and cinnamon, concluding with a sweet raspberry jam flavor. With Water: A few drops of water release rich toffee and vanilla notes on the nose. The spice on the palate also mellows, unveiling some raspberry sweetness. Total: 87/100 Final thoughts: This bottle is what put Deanston on my radar as an excellent distillery. It demonstrated to me that this spirit pairs exceptionally well with sherry casks and can be outstanding at a higher ABV. I bought this bottle approximately two years ago during my initial visit to Scotland while touring Deanston, and while it evokes some wonderful memories, it's time to reluctantly finish it. Price: Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.