Burn Stewart Distillers has today announced the introduction of two new expressions – Deanston 18 Year Old and Ledaig 18 Year Old – both permanent additions to the range for each of the brands.
Both additions have been crafted by master blender, Ian MacMillan, using traditional methods. Like all of the malts in the Burn Stewart portfolio, Deanston 18 YO and Ledaig 18YO are unchill-filtered, ensuring that more of the whisky’s natural aroma, flavour and texture remain in the bottle, delivering a deeper taste.
Alison Gibb, global marketing manager for Burn Stewart Malts, says: “The new Deanston and Ledaig expressions demonstrate our continued commitment to grow the Burn Stewart malts portfolio and to offer our consumers more choice.
“We are passionate about tradition and craftsmanship, and both of these 18 Year Olds embody the painstaking care and attention to detail that goes into every drop.”
Deanston 18YO began its journey in hogshead casks before being finished in first fill Kentucky bourbon casks selected by MacMillan. The casks were then returned to the vaulted warehouse at Deanston Distillery, a former cotton mill which was converted in 1966 to produce Highland single malt whiskies.
The liquid slept here undisturbed within metre-thick stone walls, which helped to create the perfect conditions to ensure a smooth, even maturation year round.
The resulting whisky, the distillery says, showcases Deanston’s signature profile of sweet, honeyed fruit with a deep, rich finish and is distinguished by its aromatic and balanced notes of American oak and hints of tobacco and nutmeg.
Ian MacMillan, says: “Like every malt we produce at Deanston, we’re proud to say that the 18 Year Old is deeply rooted in the history and tradition of the distillery. From the barley grown in the local fields, to the water sourced from the River Teith, only the best Scottish ingredients are used to create this unique single malt.
“Its distinct and robust flavour combinations make it a very accessible dram, one which can be enjoyed by both old and new lovers of Deanston Whisky. The 18 Year Old reflects the very best that nature, knowledge and patience has to offer.”
Ledaig 18YO distillation began on the Isle of Mull at the Tobermory Distillery. In 1996, Ian MacMillan started distilling Ledaig for the first time since the distillery re-opened after its final quiet period. Taking inspiration from the traditional style of single malts Scotch whisky that would have originally been crafted on the Isle of Mull, he created Ledaig 18 Year Old.
The result is a smoky island single malt Scotch whisky, which balances sweet and floral aromas with the richness and warmth of sea salt and smoke, says MacMillan: “For this expression, I’ve returned to the distillery’s roots to create a malt which represents the rebirth of the style of whisky that would have originally been produced at Tobermory.”
Deanston 18YO and Ledaig 18YO are available in the UK and across select international territories including Europe, North America and Asia. Deanston 18 Year Old 46.3% ABV has a RRP of £80 and Ledaig 18Year Old 46.3% ABV has a RRP of £85.
11 May 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor
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