Deanston 11 Years 2009/2021 - Cask 116 - Brave New Spirits
As part of The Rebels The Guerilla Casks series, a Deanston was bottled from a first fill Merlot cask. With this series, the independent bottler Brave New Spritis has set itself the task of offering whiskies from unusual casks, such as wine barriques from Asia, tequila casks from Mexico or casks for sweet wines from islands such as Madeira or Sicily.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The Deanston offers some really exciting flavours in the nosing. The variety of flavours reminds us of nut corners with icing, sour cherry jam and fresh red grapes. There is also a slight vinegar note, which is not unpleasant, but rather provides a little freshness.
Palate
We also encounter nut corners again in the flavour. The entire range of fairground sweets can also be found. Everything from roasted almonds and candied strawberries to mulled wine sweets can be enjoyed. Some candy floss rounds off the oily appearance of the single malt.
Finish
Spicy, intense and warming, the cask strength Deanston has a medium finish with a slight chilli tingle in the back of the throat.
Thoughts
Marcel 81/100
If you're looking for a malt in the cold season that scores with sweet fairground notes and a warming spice, you've found a real winner here. The Deanston First Fill Merlot is simply fun and brings a bit of Christmas market atmosphere to the glass – perfect for cozy evenings of indulgence.
Sascha 85/100
This Deanston shows a remarkable balance between fruity Merlot notes and precisely dosed spice that clearly conveys the cask profile. The structured aromatics with their medium-length, warm finish make it a convincing example of successful maturation in First Fill Merlot casks.
Value for Money: Good
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78/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the First Fill Merlot Cask influence the flavor of the Deanston 11 Years?
The First Fill Merlot Cask imparts a distinctive fruitiness and sweetness to the Deanston, reminiscent of sour cherry jam and red grapes. At the same time, it introduces spicy and slightly bitter notes that make the flavor profile complex and intriguing.
What makes the Brave New Spirits “The Rebels The Guerilla Casks” series special?
The series is characterized by the use of unusual cask types, such as Asian wine barriques or tequila barrels from Mexico. This results in unique flavor profiles that clearly set them apart from classic whisky releases.
How should the 54.8% ABV alcohol content of the Deanston 11 Years be evaluated?
At 54.8% ABV, this Deanston is a cask strength whisky that offers more intense aromas and a stronger presence on the palate. It is especially suited for connoisseurs who prefer powerful and complex whiskies and can be opened up with a little water if desired.