Deanston Virgin Oak is made with young whisky which has been finished in brand new oak casks from Kentucky. Always a pleasure to have Deanston single malt Scotch whisky around, as they are certified by the Organic Food Association and power their distillery using hydro energy, so you can always feel good about the delicious dram in your hand.
Fresh citrus, honeyed barley and a subtle hint of smoke.
Toffee sweets pop up first, followed by a dollop of cream and oak notes.
Oak spices on the finish.
Well made, the new oak doesn't take over the whisky at all, which is always a risk with these casks.
Having picked this up for about 25 dollars at the local liquor store, I figured I'd give it shot, given that it looked interesting (non-chill filtered, virgin oak). Point-blank: there is the start of a good single-malt scotch in this NAS bottle, but it simply is not finished. The hints of what could be a great highland malt are all there, but so is the harsh reality of young, burn inducing alcohol. If I had to venture a guess, Deanston seems to be trying their hand at mixing a traditional Scotch malt with the more rapid maturation (and cask type) found with Bourbon producers. I would urge them to let this stuff age a lot longer as the liquid in my bottle was barely drinkable.
I bought 4 bottles of Virgin Oak thinking very reasonably priced. Surprise, the BEST TASTING single malt I have tasted. I drink only single malts and tried several ver the years. Visited the distillery before 10 on a Sunday last May and didn't get a tasting. That tweaked my interest, thank goodness! You make fine whiskey.
Being of Scottish descent, I look for quality at a reasonable price. This Whisky delivers both. It tastes, feels and has the aroma of a much older and expensive Whisky. Glad I found it. Good job lads.
I was dissapointed with this. If you are going to produce a whisky as young as this it should be cut at 40%. At 46.3% it needed far more time 12/15 years to reach its potential in my opinion.I think it is expensive forwhat you get, as it is it should be abour £25 max.
first sip provides a the palate with a hug from a giant, every sip after is a delight
