Deanston 18 Year Old becomes Whisky of the Year

Deanston, a Highland distillery, housed in an old cotton mill on the banks of the River Teith, claimed the crown in the 8th annual Whisky of the Year blind tasting, which was hosted by specialist spirits retailer The Whisky Exchange.

The winning whisky is named Deanston 18 Year Old. The 18-year-old expression is a delicious fruity, sweet single malt that has been matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks.

This shortlist at the competition included whiskies from the highlands and the islands, bold sherry bombs, creamy bourbon barrel single malts and a chocolatey Welsh whisky. After much deliberation whisky-loving consumers were encouraged to critique each whisky for nose, palate and finish, and select a first and second choice via a voting form.

All whiskies in the tasting were under £75 retail price, and all were ongoing, commercially available releases.

Brendan McCarron, Master Distiller at Distell, said, “Deanston is not your typical distillery and Deanston 18 is not your average dram. Matured for 18 years in American white oak, ex-bourbon barrels, the end result is a dram that is smooth and aromatic, typical of our Deanston distillery style: soft, sweet, honeyed and uniquely waxy in flavour & mouthfeel.”

Dawn Davies, Head Buyer at The Whisky Exchange, commented, “I am super excited to see Deanston win this year. It is a really underrated distillery that is producing some great tasting whisky at the moment.”

Founded in 1999, The Whisky Exchange is the leading global retailer of whiskies and fine spirits, with an award-winning online shop and three shops located in the heart of London at Covent Garden, Great Portland Street and London Bridge.