2000 Deanston Organic 21 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Another heavy-hitter from Deanston, distilled in 2000 and matured in ex-Bourbon wood before being finished in Fino sherry casks. Certified organic from start to finish, including the barrel's previous contents, it's also non chill filtered.

Other reviews... Deanston is one of those names that we love to try pretty often, probably more so than bigger names that don't always have much to say. Because remember, we try whisky, we don't try labels (yeah yeah)… Organic malt whisky matured in organic bourbon casks and finished in organic fino sherry casks. Probably not something very easy to do, especially with ex-solera sherry – unless that would have been 'anada' (single vintage) sherry instead. Colour: deep gold. Nose: there's really a lot of fino, as if the finishing casks had been 'extremely wet'. But naturally, that could not be. Basically, that translates into chalk and walnuts, bone-dry, almost acidic white wine, apple peel, a little curry, a little mustard, and a little fudge. The fino's having the lead guitar, on the other hand we just loooove good fino. With water: a curious sulphur-like touch at first, then old Jerez vinegar, musty old cellar, curry indeed, miso, malt extracts and a lot of chalk. Mouth (neat): huge fino indeed, plus pepper, heavy marmalade, chutneys, dried pears, and walnut wines and liqueurs. You could have said 'this is nocino', amigo. With water: back to maltiness, liquorice, amontillado rather than fino, chocolaty walnuts, chalk… Finish: very long, very bitter-sour, with walnuts running the show, for good. Comments: feels a little unnatural here and there, but Nature is sometimes overrated (what???) What's sure is that it is very Jerezian and probably not for everyone. I'm on the right side. By the way, I remember a 2013 'The Union Exclusive' that was also organic and ex-fino, and very good too (WF 85). 87 points - whiskyfun.com

Notes from the producers... Nose: Vibrant notes of juicy raisins and sweet malt.  Aromas of shortbread and strawberry jam. Palate: Espresso, chocolate cherries and oak infused honey. A subtle spin on our signature waxy character. Finish: Candied fruit with a shake of cinnamon and chocolate creaminess.