Macduff The Deveron 12-Year
40% ABV - Highlands, Scotland
Nose: Lots of Highland character on this one – ripe pears, green jolly ranchers, fruit punch, pineapple, green apple,... lots of those fruits. Light floral in and out.
Taste: The flavours are very light, and I feel they are delicate – I didn’t add much water to this dram – some pears and grape accent the dominant green apple. And the dusting of spices, maybe cinnamon, floral, tropical.
Finish: This all gives way to a short wave of apple, citrus – orange and lime, some black pepper or chili heat.
I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to try this one... The winning ticket pulled was mine and I received this as a thank you for filling out a survey of all things! An excellent Highland whisky and it has qualities that remind me of Green Spot (Irish whiskey). I have to echo one of the reviews I read that begged for a cask strength version to be available.
Tasted 07 April 2018.
90/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
