Deanston experiments with orange wine casks

CVH Spirits-owned Deanston has released a limited edition 17-year-old single malt whisky finished in Andalucían orange wine casks.

The whisky 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 is made with bitter orange peel. The latest release from the Highland distillery was crafted by master blender Julieann Fernandez, who is considered one of the youngest master blenders in the industry at the age of 34. Drawing inspiration from her Spanish heritage and family roots in the Jaén region of rural Andalucía, she spent her formative years in Southern Spain. Fernandez's strong connection to the area and memories deeply influenced both her choice of cask and the flavour profile. Her blending method focused on achieving the perfect flavour balance by "harmonising the distinctive bitterness of Andalucía oranges with the natural sweetness of Deanston spirit". The result is a single malt whisky that presents aromas of freshly peeled orange zest, marmalade, dried apricots, honey, toasted almonds, and a soft malt sweetness. It also features hints of white flowers, light oak spice, and a subtle herbal note reminiscent of chamomile tea. Bottled at 53.6% ABV, the palate presents notes of tangy citrus oils, blood orange, stone fruits, sultanas, biscuits, orange blossom honey, ginger, nutmeg and a hint of wood spice. Fernandez commented on the release: "My parents met in Andalucía, and some of my happiest memories are wrapped up in the warmth, generosity and flavours of that part of the world – the sights, the smell and the taste of the orange trees which surround the area. Those experiences have stayed with me and shaped how I think about flavour and whisky. "When I got the opportunity of orange wine casks at Deanston, it genuinely felt like bringing a piece of my own heritage into our spirit for the first time. "Whisky will tell you when it's ready, and the two years in orange wine casks were the perfect sweet spot for this release to balance the citrus bitterness of the orange wine with Deanston's honeyed profile. "I can't wait for people to discover it for themselves, whether that's neat, over ice or in a refreshing Highball or Spritz." Deanston Orange Wine Cask Finish 17 Year Old is limited to 7,000 bottles available globally, with a recommended retail price of £95 (US$126). CVH Spirits was established in 2023 to manage the Scotch whisky portfolio previously owned by South African firm Distell and Burn Stewart Distillers. Earlier this month, CVH Spirits moved its corporate office from East Kilbride to Kintyre House in Glasgow city centre.