In our original Mumbai Whisky tasting group, we had a die-hard Deanston fan! It was one of the initial distilleries he visited – impressed with the devotion to quality, craft, and the people. Above all, he just absolutely loves their whiskies – the waxy, sometimes almost industrial edge, combining sweet with substance.
My experience has been mixed. I’ve had a few I really enjoyed, and others that simply weren’t “my cup of tea”. So whilst I dont tend to acquire for my own collection, I remain happy to continue to taste when opportunities present themselves.
What better than checking in at 2025 London Whisky Show! Especially when our whisky guide was none other than Andrew Waite, head of distilleries Deanston, CVH.
Here is what we did a brief sniff and swish with:
- Deanston 12 year old 46.3% – 2025 Whisky Show GBP 40.75
- Deanston 18 year old 46.3% – 2025 Whisky Show GBP 90.75
- Deanston 20 year old 2002 Organic American Oak 49.3%– 2025 Whisky Show GBP 181
Overall, I would say this certainly helped tip the scales to the positive side! Here is what we discovered…
- Nose – Orange sherbert, cream popsicle, waxy, vanilla, green apple, cereals, butterscotch
- Palate – Balance between sweet and spice, fruity, full-bodied
- Finish – Lingers with a sweet close
The overall impression was orange marmalade – nice! Andrew shared they use a mix of 1st fill and 2nd fill ex-bourbon casks for their 12 year.
- Nose – Even more of that sweet orange marmalade, amped up with fresh orange zest
- Palate – Full and fruity with more orange rind, heavier than the 12-year, joined by cinnamon, ginger, and a dash of pepper
- Finish – Long-lasting with more of that ginger
This was delicious! And yes, it had that Deanston signature waxy quality too.
Deanston 20 year 2002 American Organic Oak 49.7%
Andrew shared that for this special edition, they used organic barley, small batches, and matured the spirit in re-charred American Oak barrels for 20 years.
- Nose – Cereals, light citrus, fruity, toffee
- Palate – Bright and youthful despite the age! Delicate, yet also rich and creamy, jam on toast
- Finish – Spicier, hint of mocha
What an unexpected treat! This quick zip through was with a rather nice trio – most enjoyable.
Curious about other Deanston experiences? Check out:
- Deanston Chronicles Edition 1 (4 casks from 4 decades) 46.3%
- Deanston Virgin Oak NAS 46.3%
- Deanston 10 year (Sep 2009 – Oct 2019) WW8 108 Bourbon Barrel 57.3% (WW8)
- Deanston 14 year (2023) 52.6% (Chorlton)
- Deanston 15 year (1997/2013) Cask No 1958 45.8% (TSC)
- Deanston 19 year (1999/2018) 51% (Daily Drams)
- Deanston 27 year (1997/2025) 50.4% (Decadent Drams)
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