Deanston 12 Year Old
Nose
The Deanston 12 is a fresh, lively Highlander. Vanilla and honey are immediately present and bring a lovely sweetness. These are joined by cereal notes and the scent of green apple, which makes the whole thing fruity and light. The hint of freshly cut wood, reminiscent of a carpenter's workshop, is particularly exciting. And if you sniff closely, you will discover a subtle nuttiness that pleasantly rounds off the whisky.
Taste
Soft, but present. Walnuts and distinctive oak provide a pleasant spiciness, while honey and vanilla literally spread out in the mouth - and do so for a long time. There is also a floral, slightly grassy note reminiscent of a summer meadow. The citrus-like acidity, which is somewhere between grapefruit and lemon zest, is particularly exciting. This provides a lovely freshness without the whisky becoming too sour.
Finish
The finish is medium to long and has a spicy, fruity sweetness. Particularly striking: the fine black tea flavour, which provides a pleasantly dry finish. Not a big hit, but a nice, well-rounded thing.
Thoughts
The Deanston 12 year old is a real insider tip for anyone looking for a balanced, accessible whisky with character. The 46.3% ABV gives it enough power without being too strong - just the right balance between strength and drinkability. With its fresh, sweet and slightly spicy notes, it is perfect as a relaxed daily dram or as a next step for beginners who want to try something more complex. If you like vanilla, honey and oak, you should definitely give this Highlander a chance!
Support us and purchase on Amazon*Rating: 81/100 - Excellent (Marcel: 81 | Sascha: 80)
Value for Money: 5/5 - Very good
Preview Image Source: Whiskybase