1 | Spirits | Page 140

A superbly well balanced, full-bodied malt with aromas of pears, pineapple and green apples; hints of honey and vanilla, that come from the long years of maturation in American ex-bourbon oak barrels, can also be detected, adding to the complexity of this exceptional Vintage. On the palate the sweet, honey, floral notes combined with hints of coconut and rich spices lead to a smooth, long lasting and warming finish.

Deanston Virgin Oak, a new addition to the portfolio, has been finished in virgin oak casks sourced from a family-owned cooperage in Bardstown, Kentucky. Unlike most, these casks have not been used for any other alcohol so the Deanston malt picks up more of the oak flavour in maturation. Everything else about the process is kept close to home, with only local barley and yeast used with water from the River Teith which runs alongside the distillery.

"Pale aquamarine tint comes from the infusion of Iris root and flower. Opening nosing passes feature clove with supporting traces of cassia bark, grains of paradise and nutmeg; after several more minutes a moderately sweet and fruity bouquet develops, one that highlights orange zest, coriander and juniper berries. Palate entry is bittersweet and acceptably prickly on the tongue; by midpalate, the cocoa and bean-like taste focuses on the earthy/root/bark botanicals, especially the cassia, juniper and licorice. Finishes cleanly, bittersweet and long. One of the more bitter and intensely bean-like gins I’ve sampled." 85-89 pts.