Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured Whisky

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What a banger! It goes from being a very condensed malt at first contact, but with some water and 15 minutes this becomes the most malty, chocolatey, red fruity extravaganza on the nose. The palate has a steady arrival with an almost soft chocolate liqueur vibe about it, followed by a strong sour yet confectionery medium-long development, rounding off with a dessert wine finish. A must have if you enjoy heavily sherried/wine finished single malts and a good starter if you never had one ;)