Red wine (in this case from Bordeaux) is not my favourite type of wine cask maturation for whisky. That said, I’ve heard some positive things about this Deanston 2008 Bordeaux so let’s give it a try.
Deanston 2008 ‘Bordeaux Red Wine Matured’ (58,7%, OB 2017, 1400 btl.)
Deanston 2008 ‘Bordeaux Red Wine Matured’ (58,7%, OB 2017, 1400 btl.)Nose: red wine indeed but rather on the fruity side. Tart red berries(raspberry, cassis), hints of Muscovado sugar and honey. Citrusy top notes and some spicy oak underneath. Vanilla and black pepper. Hints of wood polish. Pretty good.
Mouth: punchy, and now it’s certainly more tannic with this velvety wine feeling. Goes to ginger, peppercorns and clove as well as sweeter notes of toffee and grape juice. Dark chocolate and hints of tobacco leaves.
Finish: rather long, dry, spicy, with the tobacco and clove keeping strong.
I’m still not a fan of tannic red wine casks, but this is one of the better (fruitier) examples nonetheless. It could have been a first-fill sherry maturation if not for the bigger tannins. Especially the nose was good. Available from The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt.
Score: 82/100