This whisky was tasted as part of a trio of Deanston whiskies on 7/9/21.
As our distillery was borne of an entrepreneurial spirit, so too was our new Dragon’s Milk Stout Cask Finish.
At Deanston we are inspired by the industriousness of our whisky makers, and other forward-thinking artisans across the globe. What better way to celebrate our roots, and toast the makers, than by partnering with kindred spirits.
New Holland Brewing Company is one such kindred spirit. Driven by their own entrepreneurialism and creativity, they brew, mature and bottle an impressive selection of beers and spirits. Their flagship brand is a bourbon barrel aged stout called Dragon’s Milk. Two years ago we had the opportunity to mature some of our Deanston spirit in barrels which previously held this unique American Beer.
Dragon’s Milk is a sweet & malty Stout – thanks to it’s time in Bourbon barrels – which are the perfect characteristics to marry with the honeyed, fruity style of our whisky.
Appearance
Light gold, damp straw in colour, the swirl line is thicker, and so are the legs. #thewhiskeychaps
Nose
Again there are notes from the Fino and Marsala casks in here, the Deanston DNA if you like. Initially there are pine trees, it’s coniferous and foresty, and a little meaty, it’s not as sweet as other stout cask finished whiskies I’ve tried, I suspect it’s the Deanston spirit. #thewhiskeychaps
Quite woody again like the Fino and Marsala. I’m definitely getting some botanicals here, along with floral aromas, grass, and wood treatments. Rose water and a light slight perfume notes round off the nose for me #thewhiskeychaps
Nose: Smells younger to me, but that's because it is I guess! Floral, malty and, hang on……..is it……..yes…………FUNK! #thewhiskeychaps pic.twitter.com/FovmcmoD6K
— Whisk(e)y Chap 🏴🥃 (@whiskeychap) October 7, 2021
Palate
Again nice mouthfeel like the Fino and Marsala, and there’s a little more sweetness on the palate for me, as I’d hoped tbh. Honey and golden treacle, Belgian waffles, a sherbet kind of fizziness, cream soda.
With more time the darker stronger flavours come forward. We have chocolate, raisins, prunes, flat Dr Pepper and black pepper #thewhiskeychaps
I always get sweetness with stout cask whiskies, I think others think I’m bonkers, but that’s what I’m looking for before the spice cuts in. #thewhiskeychaps
— Dram it Mick! (@StillSurreal) October 7, 2021
Finish
Long side of medium in length for me, and it does slowly become spicier here, ginger, black pepper, pontefract cakes, dark chocolate, lemons and cherries now. #thewhiskeychaps
My thoughts
I’d wanted to try this bottling since it was released, as i generally enjoy stout cask finished whiskies. For me this is a good stout cask whisky, i get the sweetness from the palate before the darker stronger flavours arrive. It has the development i enjoy and was hoping for, it also has a good mouthfeel and is a good ABV too. Yes it’s a winner for me, and i’d love a bottle in my whisky cupboard.
Notes – This whisky is presented in it’s natural colour and is non chill filtered.
Thanks to – Derek Mather at the Artisan Restaurant in Main street Wishaw in Scotland for getting this sample to me.
Follow @deanstonmalt Follow @thewhiskeychaps
