DEANSTON 12YR OLOROSO CASK 2008

Built around a former cotton mill on the River Teith in the Scottish Highlands, Deanston uses the mill's original vaulted warehouses — naturally cool and humid — for maturation. This 12-year expression began in ex-bourbon casks before finishing in Oloroso sherry casks, which layer dark cherry, boozy raisins, and Christmas cake spice over the distillery's signature honey-malt base. The palate carries dried fruit, leather, and a thread of cream, while the finish runs medium-to-long with warming spice kept in check by that underlying malt sweetness.