Deanston Unveils 17 Year Old Single Malt Finished in Andalucían Orange Wine Casks

Deanston whisky has unveiled a limited edition expression: A 17-year-old single malt finished in Andalucían orange wine casks.

The new expression combines the distillery’s signature waxy spirit (aged for 15 years) with a two-year finishing period in Vino de Naranja casks sourced from Andalucía. 

The fortified wine once stored in those casks was made from bitter orange peels, and is the result of master blender Julieann Fernandez paying homage to her formative years in Southern Spain, where her Spanish heritage and family roots hailed from the Jaén region of rural Andalucía.

At 34, she also holds the distinction of being considered one of the youngest master blenders in the industry.

Fernandez's deep personal connection to the region and the memories she formed there played a central role in both her choice of cask and the flavour profile she set out to achieve. Her approach to blending centred on finding the ideal equilibrium between the characteristic bitterness of Andalucían oranges and the natural sweetness inherent in Deanston's spirit.

The whisky is said to present notes of freshly peeled orange zest, marmalade, dried apricots, honey, toasted almonds, and a soft malt sweetness. The brand has also said there should be hints of white flowers, light oak spice, and a subtle herbal note reminiscent of chamomile tea.

The palate should also provide notes of tangy citrus oils, blood orange, stone fruits, sultanas, biscuits, orange blossom honey, ginger, nutmeg and a hint of wood spice.

Bottled at 53.6% ABV, the Deanston Orange Wine Cask Finish 17 Year Old has only 7,000 bottles available globally, with an MSRP of £95 (US$126).

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team