Deanston 11 Years 2012/2023 - Best Dram
Rum finishes are like the bell bottoms of the whisky world - sometimes totally trendy, sometimes highly controversial. In 2024, they are definitely in the spotlight, and the Deanston 2012/2023 11 Years from Best Dram shows why. This independent bottler has once again managed to deliver an affordable bottle that will delight novices and connoisseurs alike. But beware: rum finishes are a bit like blind dates - they can be sweet and exciting or just plain meh. This one? Clearly a fruit bomb with a wow effect.
Tasting Notes
Nose
From the very first sniff, Deanston catapults your nose into a tropical fruit basket. Imagine opening a fresh tin of peaches and apricots, sprinkling a few pieces of pineapple on top and topping it all off with honey sweetness and a hint of whipped cream. A gentle touch of creamy caramel and a small herbal greeting à la mate tea round off the experience. Sounds fancy? It is - but without being lifted off.
Palate
This is where it gets really exciting! The Deanston packs quite a punch at 55.7 % vol. but without overwhelming the palate. The oily texture is like silk on the tongue, while lemon balm and heather add fresh accents. The tropical fruits from the nose are also present here - apricot, pineapple and the like make an appearance. At the same time, a good portion of oak provides spice and depth. It is a balance of power and elegance that is simply fun.
Finish
The finish is like the final act of a good film: warm, dry and a little pensive. The oak comes to the fore and brings spicy, almost tart notes, while the fruitiness slowly fades away. A hint of tea lingers - a subtle finish that immediately invites you to take the next sip.
🥃 We would like to give you the opportunity to participate in a private bottle sharing at cost price with this bottle.
To our bottle sharingsThoughts
Marcel 90/100
This Deanston 11 Years from Best Dram is a true fruit bomb that delights with its rum finish and never becomes boring. The tropical aromas and oily texture turn every sip into a little holiday flirt – perfect for anyone who wants to have fun with whisky without spending a lot of money.
Sascha 87/100
The Deanston 2012/2023 presents itself as a well-balanced whisky with an impressive harmony between the powerful 55.7% ABV and the fine integration of tropical fruit notes and spicy oak. The rum finish gives this cask-strength dram a harmonious, complex character that appeals to both newcomers and connoisseurs alike.
Value for Money: Excellent
💸 This whisky offers an outstanding value for money and is our value pick.
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81/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the rum finish influence the taste of the Deanston 11 Years?
The rum finish imparts a pronounced fruitiness to the Deanston 11 Years, with notes of peach, apricot, and pineapple. It adds a sweet honeyed sweetness and a creamy touch that make the whisky lively and exotic without overshadowing the typical Highland characteristics.
Is the Deanston 11 Years suitable for whisky beginners despite its high alcohol content?
At 55.7% ABV, the Deanston 11 Years is quite powerful, but its balanced texture and fruity aromatics can also appeal to beginners who are willing to be a bit adventurous. Adding a few drops of water helps to soften the intensity and better reveal the flavors.
What special qualities does the independent bottler Best Dram bring to this whisky?
Best Dram focuses on exciting finishes and affordable bottlings. For the Deanston 11 Years 2012/2023, they deliberately chose a rum finish that enriches the whisky with tropical fruitiness and a complex array of aromas without diluting the character of the distillery.