Deanston
Deanston distillery is located on the banks of the river Teith just outside the town of Stirling and on the outskirts of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, owned by the Distell group the distillery was founded back in 1965 and is located within a re furnished weavers / cotton mill believed to have been in operation since 1785 and was running for some 180 years before becoming a distillery.
The Mill was designed to run on water power and had its very own river /canal cut from the river Teith in order to supply the water to run the impressive 4 water wheels ( two smaller wheels in the design of the original Adelphi wheels, one larger one named Samson and the fourth named Hercules was some 36 feet in diameter and was capable of producing some 300 hp. Hercules was located within a rather impressive building but unfortunately today the wheel is no longer in place, although the water still plays a major role in running the on site hydro electric facility.. One other factor worth mentioning, when the water cut was dug ( by hand ! ) it only dropped by 1 inch from start to end which you have to admit is rather impressive !!
The site boats one of the most incredible warehouses in the industry as the roofs were designed in order to stop any condensation dripping onto the materials and workers while the weaving was in operation, the cupola roof made from cast iron was insulated with soil in order to keep the temperature up around 80 degrees Fahrenheit or around 26.5 c, and to also help dampen down any noise from the machinery.
With 2 wash stills and 2 spirit stills in operation Deanston has a capacity of producing around 3 million litres of alcohol per year with the majority of this going into blends such as Scottish Leader which is believed to have been created back in the 1800’s by the Ross brothers..
1997 – 21 year old Palo Cortado Finish
Distillery.. Deanston
Region.. Highlands
Vintage.. 1997
Age.. 21 years
Abv.. 51.8%
Casks.. 19 years in Bourbon Casks – 2 years in Palo Cortado Hogshead
Outturn.. 277 Bottles
“Palo Cortado is a rare variety of sherry that is initially aged under flor to become a fino or amontillado, but inexplicably loses its veil of flor and begins aging oxidatively as an oloroso. The result is a wine with some of the richness of oloroso and some of the crispness of amontillado.”
Nose.. Chocolate orange meets cinnamon buns.. The start to this is wonderfully seductive with a lovely mix of chocolate and candied orange, dates and plum jam.. Add some soft coffee notes and a slice of Bakewell tart / Christmas cake, the one with icing and marzipan and you have the liquid form right here..
Palate.. Ok.. There is a sweetness that reminds me of prunes soaked in honey, add some plum and a little orange marmalade, a cup of strong black coffee with demerara sugar and maybe a slice of walnut cake on the side.. There is a soft hint of spices but they are not what this whisky is about, its all about that sherry ..
Finish.. A dry finish with honey and soft pepper
Thoughts.. This is bloody delightful on the nose, then the palate just takes you into a frenzy. The aromas and flavours are very enticing and offers you an alternative version to the typical sherry notes.. Don’t misunderstand me though, its very typical sherry finished whisky but with a twist, a twist that is exciting, a twist that makes you smack your lips whilst sipping, a twist that makes you lick your lips in anticipation while you nose this..
If you like sherried whisky then i think you would love this !! Damn its sold out.. Grrrrrr
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