The Deveron 18 Year

The Deveron 12 was, to be honest, just okay. A truly disappointing initial encounter with this distillery. I had already acquired this bottle before reviewing the other; one shouldn't judge a distillery solely on one average performance. Nevertheless, I'm hopeful that the older expression will be a significantly better offering. Smell: Predominantly floral. Notes of apple, pear, and apricot. Hints of almond and walnut. Touches of vanilla, toffee, and butterscotch. A hint of orange citrus. A subtle plum presence. Taste: Apple, pear, apricot, and orange citrus. Flavors of caramel, vanilla, toffee, and butterscotch. Tastes of golden raisin and white grape. Some plum notes are present. A slight honey sweetness. Floral undertones as well. Aftertaste: Almond and walnut. Flavors of caramel, toffee, vanilla, and butterscotch. Tastes like a sugar cookie. Orange citrus. Notes of apple, apricot, and golden raisin. A faint hint of oak. Lasts a moderate-short time. This is certainly a more successful effort from The Deveron. The extra maturation time allowed the distillery's character to show through more effectively. It presents a standard, somewhat unremarkable Highland profile, but it's also a remarkably clean and polished expression. The aroma and taste improve with time. Sadly, the finish doesn't benefit from this. The 40% ABV is insufficient, particularly considering the cost of an 18+ year old Scotch. At $150, I can't confidently say it's worth the price. I'm pleased to have it for my collection, but bottling this at 40% ABV suggests to me that Bacardi views this distillery as a component for Dewars, unable to establish its own distinct identity without significant changes, even at a premium price point. Nevertheless, this is a considerable step up from the 12 year old. 3.5/5.

The aroma is quite intricate, featuring soft, delicate hints of chocolate, plus pineapple and oak. The taste is pleasant, with black tea and spices on the tongue. The ending is somewhat bitter, though balanced by faint notes of honey and brewed coffee that linger. I enjoy it, but that's all. It's a whiskey that feels generic and therefore forgettable.

Perhaps I'm missing something, but I found this to be rather bland. Yes, it has a slight fruitiness and a creamy finish, but otherwise, I found it unmemorable. I was tasting this alongside other robust single malts at the time, but this one still failed to impress. Disappointed in this aged spirit over $100.

The 18-year-old appears appealing but is diluted to 40% ABV; I prefer older spirits to be stronger. Nose: Classic sherry characteristics, sweet, floral, with orange notes. Palate: Unsurprising, sweet with sherry undertones, not particularly complex, with a medium to short finish.

Very fruity, reminiscent of apple cider in both aroma and finish. A subtle hint of toffee or honey. Surprisingly revitalizing. It would be ideal for a warm summer evening at a campsite after a full day of fly fishing.

Caramel and a subtle citrus on the nose. Pears, apricot, honey, and a whisper of smoke on the palate. The finish is dry, brief, and unremarkable.