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Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
A superbly straightforward idea and a delightfully delicious expression from Deanston. What we've got here is a 9 year old single malt from the Highlands-based distillery, which has been aged in casks that previously held Bordeaux red wine. Lots of yummy red fruit notes to be had here, folks - dig in!
Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt
Nose
Stewed plums and fresh strawberries, with chocolatey malt hiding underneath. Some Turkish delight, too.
Palate
Milka chocolate, sherried peels, brandied cherries and some sturdy oak warmth.
This is an interesting, very powerful whisky that I was lucky to get my hands on recently.
Firstly, the tasting notes on MOM are very accurate on this one - both the nose and palate was almost identical to what I was getting and it is really very good. The finish i'd perhaps disagree though there are hints of raspberry. The finish is not so long but it is nice, enjoyable.
There is an issue with this whisky though, and this is the alcohol content. On the one hand a, what I assume to be, cask strength bottling is a great way of upping the complexity of what is, by whisky standards, a relatively young whisky. And it works. However, the alcohol over powers the nose for me making it very difficult to discern the complexities of it without adding water. The palate and finish are, even without water, surprisingly rich and complex which is a testament to this whisky. Despite it being so strong it still maintains its character without being swamped by AV% - something that has happened to me before with other whiskies.
The only reason to not buy this whisky, if you have the chance, is if you either dislike stronger whisky iterations or dislike fruity whisky iterations. Otherwise well worth your time. Also, as others have mentioned, allowing this whisky to breathe is crucial - I'd give it half an hour in the glass as this seems to allow the alcohol to mellow and the full range of flavors to jump out.
Master of Malt Customer Aug 2, 2019
Really A Special Whiskey
Really one of the best whiskeys regardless the price. I prefer this over several of my 18 and 21 year old Sherry filled casks. Though strong for many, if allowed to breath, it enhances the flavor even more so. Even before you taste, the bouquet will make you fall in love. The smell meets the expectations.
Master of Malt Customer Feb 16, 2019
Great strength and depth whisky.
Absolutely one of the top whisky’s on my list and I have a few. Great after dinner dram and certainly a talking point. High % with a deep lasting flavour, one to savour.
Brian McMeeken Nov 12, 2018
Robust body with juicy red wine notes
Absolutely brilliant single malt with a robust body and juicy red wine notes. A drop of water and twirling it in a glass makes it come out of its shell. Not quite a hidden gem but definitely good value for the price.
Kaarlo Pentikkälä May 11, 2018
Another cracker from Deanston
Super malt from what is becoming my favourite distillery, packed full of flavours, sweet and chocolatey on the nose, lovely rounded finish, if you like this try their 12yr old, it's a stunner.
