Deanston Organic 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Following several other successful organic single malts, Deanston have recently released this little beauty. Not just sourcing organic barley from approved local farmers, Deanston insisted that the full production process, from malting to final distillate, was fully organic compliant. Senior blender, Dr. Kirstie McCallum explains, "It involved batch production, rigorous clean downs and we only use casks that have been scraped and re-charred to ensure the whisky is never in contact with non organic ingredients."

This is not the first of its kind. Bruichladdich have been experimenting with organic barley since 2003 while Benromach launched their own expression in 2006. Most producers say the exploration of new flavours is the primary aim, rather than promoting the environmental benefits. So does organic taste better – or different? Added mouthfeel seems to be a common characteristic, with most noting extra creaminess.This one's un-chillfiltered and finished in organic virgin oak casks.

Tasting note: Bright gold. A slight grassy / peppery edge to the nose, so typical Deanston, but some richer toasted cereal, muesli and rich vanilla notes too – anticipates a sizable dram - as it is – this is robust, chewy malt by any stretch; oily textured, with a focus on big barley and vanilla weight; a touch of peel and and grass keeps things balanced and fresh, with hints of ginger snaps through the finish. Uncomplicated, but a simple joy. 46.3% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Some are claiming that this is the first organic malt whisky, but of course it isn’t. Now I would certainly understand, given what some dump into the fields, that some drinkers would prefer to go organic, especially heavy drinkers. While some other folks might think that since alcohol is a toxicant, coming up with some organic poison can’t make much sense. Colour: white wine. Nose: barley, barley, barley, and perhaps barley. Plus drops of golden syrup, a large spoonful of Golden Grahams, and a little honey. Gingerbread. I don’t know if that’s because this is organic, but we’re rarely this close to the barley. Or is it my mind at work? Mouth: super good, really. Fresh, rather citrusy, malty, with peaches and melons, vanilla, agave syrup… This is almost a blend of natural Arran and Bruichladdich. Goes down like that. Finish: medium, fresh, on sweet barley and yellow fruits. Some peppery oak in the aftertaste. Comments: it’s not impossible that some newish American oak was at play here, but the end result just works a treat. Surprised, a little bit, but it seems that Deanston are on the way up. In my book, they certainly are.
88 points - whiskyfun.com