Deanston 12 Year Old 1998 Exclusive Malts CWC

David Stirk, the man behind the Creative Whisky Company, selected this sherry cask of Deanston and bottled it last year at a strength of 55,6% ABV in his Exclusive Malts range (the EM range consists of single casks at cask strength, varying in age from 8 to 40 years). This one is 12 years old and got a nice amber color. Do not look for a connection between the whisky and the bird on the label.

This is a big nose. Arabica coffee grains, dades, twig of thyme, handful of cloves, roasted (almost burnt) nuts and fresh cream. Enticing!

It covers the palate with creamy gusto on spices. Dades make it wonderfully sweet, while some chili peppers kick in to give the dram extra power. Slightly drying and a touch sweet and sour. Sugared orange peel. Midpalate I cannot get the association with cappuccino (very strong coffee with cream) out of my head. Very nice!

The finish is very long, drying without getting oaky and dies a sweet death.

After my escapades with the official 12 Year Old, my expectations were rather low. Boy, am I glad I was wrong. This is a wonderful Deanston, which again proves that gems can be found with the Indies, even from ‘weaker’ distilleries. Around 60 EUR.

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