Deanston Virgin Oak Single Highland Malt Whisky 46,3%

Most distilleries use casks somebody else used first. Virgin Oak does the opposite at the end — fresh casks that have never held anything but air.

Expert description

Deanston Virgin Oak is a Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in traditional oak casks with a final maturation in new American oak casks and bottled at 46.3% without chill filtration and without added colouring.

The whisky builds on Deanston's pale, fruity and naturally honeyed house style and then takes a lift of spice and vanilla sweetness from the untreated wood. Deanston has distilled since 1966 in a converted cotton mill by the River Teith, which also drives the distillery's hydroelectric plant. The house uses no peat at all, so all the warmth in the whisky comes from the casks.

Tasting notes

Nose

Clean, fresh and inviting. Citrus, malt, vanilla and lightly spiced oak, with touches of honey, fresh apples and a mild nutty note.

Palate

Soft but lively. Vanilla, caramel, citrus and pale fruit. The virgin oak casks contribute warm spice, a hint of pepper and a creamy sweetness that balances the fresh house style.

Finish

Medium and lightly spiced, with vanilla, oak and a soft honey note.

Specifications

Name: Deanston Virgin Oak Single Highland Malt Whisky 46,3%
Distillery: Deanston
Region/Country: Highlands Scotland
Type: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 46.3%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Oak casks with a new American oak finish
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Edition: Virgin Oak
EAN no.: 5029704217458

Flavour profile

Vanilla · Citrus · Spiced · Honeyed · Creamy

Did you know?

Bourbon must by American law mature in new, charred oak casks. Scotch has no equivalent rule, which makes new wood an exception rather than the norm — Virgin Oak therefore borrows an American idea and puts it on a Scottish malt.

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Frequently asked questions about Deanston Virgin Oak

What does virgin oak mean?

New oak casks that have never held spirit or wine. They give far stronger cask influence than refills, which is why they are used here only for a final maturation.

How does it taste compared with Deanston 12 years?

More spiced and with clearer vanilla. The 12 year old is softer and maltier, while Virgin Oak carries a warm, peppery edge from the new wood.

Is it peated?

No. Deanston uses no peat at all, so all the warmth in the whisky comes from the casks. For smoke, head towards Islay Whisky.

Is it good for a beginner?

Yes. The vanilla and caramel are easy to like, and 46.3% without filtration gives more to taste than many other starter whiskies.

Does it work in cocktails?

It works well in an Old Fashioned, where the spice from the new wood plays against bitters and sugar. Neat it is still the more interesting proposition.

What defines Deanston?

A soft, honeyed and unpeated Highland style from a converted cotton mill by the River Teith. See the rest of the region in our Highland Whisky.