Deanston 2006 Cream Sherry Finish

Highland Single Malt finished in Cream Sherry Casks.

54.2% ABV/108.4 Proof

13 YO

Eye: Orange blossom honey verging on maple syrup. Thick rims and thick legs. 

Nose: A little hot, powdery and herbal. Oloroso sherry, dried fruit and red fruit. Stewed apples. Grassy notes come out after some air. 

Palate: A little hot here too, chocolate characteristics. Cherries, figs, stewed fruits, and vanilla - bourbon cask-like notes. Nuttiness develops after some air. Mouthfeel is coating and filling, with oak spice and lots of dried fig sweetness. The oak spice builds over time. 

Finish: Medium length, dried figs and chocolate.  

Overall: An interesting finish that I really like. First time I’ve tried a cream sherry finish. The nose is a bit harsh at first but develops into a better one over time. The palate, once the heat subsides, does the same and ends up being delicious and wonderfully viscous. 

Rating: 7.8

10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)

9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)

8 | Excellent | Exceptional (12+YO MGP Bourbon, Highland Park Single Barrels)

7 | Great | Well above average (Blanton’s Original, Old Weller Antique, Booker’s)

6 | Very Good | Better than average (Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek 14+ YO Picks)

5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond)

4 | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (A.D. Laws Four Grain, Compass Box “Oak Cross”)

3 | Bad | Flawed (Iron Smoke Bourbon, Balcones)

2 | Poor | Forced myself to drink it (Buckshee Bourbon and Rye)

1 | Disgusting | Drain pour (Virginia Distilling Co. Cider Cask)