ralfy review 1043 - Deanston 18yo @46.3%vol: (2024)

/ ralfy . This is my Patreon channel, for videos released 24 hours early and with an extra weekly 'Update' video. Every month there is also a 'BothyLive' 90 minute live-stream from the bothy with a Q&A.
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[@velviaman3206]

We love a Ralfy rant, do we not?

[@ianlaw6410]

Quite a few years ago, my rule of thumb for fair pricing of malts was £5 for every year in the cask. So a really good 10yr old would be £40 - £50; a 12 yr old, £60; 15yr old, £75; 18 yr old, £90. Great to see that the Deanston 18 yr old is still within that range.

[@0oDaan12o0]

A couple years ago I used that same metric, except that I took the 10yo as the baseline at 30 pounds/euros as was the case Talisker, Ledaig and Laphroaig (and for Bunna and Caol Ila 12). Sad how much times have changed.

[@Dalwhat]

I got it for £65 yesterday from Amazon although I think it's back to over £70 now. Still amazingly cheap and great value.

[@fake.shempz]

@@Dalwhat £55 for me from Amazon (S&S)

[@andyarmstrong1175]

The squeakability test is back...excellent stuff! 👍🇬🇧

[@peterfinucane8122]

A cork squeak is often a bit twisted!

[@HerbBaird]

Off topic, I was in Scotland this past week on vacation with my wife and daughter. On our final day we made it to the Bon Accord for lunch. Fantastic place, and super friendly people. I believe Thomas, if I remember his name correctly, allowed us to take pictures behind the bar, and then handed us one of your Glencairn glasses. We spent 10 days in Scotland and the Bon Accord was our highlight of the trip.

[@ormok927]

I visited Deanston from the US back during COVID in 2021. They weren’t doing full tours at the time but gave me a tasting. It was originally just the American Oak and 12YO. I started talking to the host about whisky and mentioned Ralfy and she saw my genuine appreciation. She then brought out both the 18YO and 28YO Muscat finish. She also shared a Chronicles 1st Edition. My wife, the host and I were the only ones in the entire place. They will always hold a special place with me and I’ll always remember that experience.

[@unclelarry9138]

I am new to Scottish whiskey. I am really glad I have found your channel. You are doing the leg work for us and saving us time and money. Not to mention you are putting us on to the bangers. Thank you.

[@adriano8729]

Great to see a brand staying loyal to it's customers. I visited the distillery in 2022 and bought a bottle of the 18yo. An absolute beauty of a whisky and really friendly staff in the shop too. Will definitely be buying from them in the future. Thanks, Adrian

[@RebMordechaiReviews]

Hi Ralfy. Sorry I haven't been around much lately. As you know, we are at war. I loved the old Deanston 18 and it used to be a staple in my whisky cabinet. However, the last few bottles have been very disappointing. It isn't just me but others as well have commented that there is a slightly unpleasant apple vinegar note to it. I stopped buying it, especially with the price hike from 400 shekels to 550 shekels. There are other far nicer and more consistent single malts around for that price. I love visiting Deanston distillery and love even more their distillery only bottlings. Their Cask Strength Virgin Oak, Tequila Cask and Calvados Single Cask bottlings from the distillery are simply wonderful.

[@Irene_Bae]

Am Yisrael Chai! 🇮🇱

[@JonnyParker-]

War is when the other side has an army too brother.

[@rkostyantyn]

Slainte from Ukraine) 🥃🥃 In Ukraine, Deanston 18 now costs around 110 pounds and above

[@raycroal]

@@rkostyantyn zalenski has sent half a million to their death so far, stay safe mate

[@SimonneNZ]

So that's what that taste is! I have a bottle of the 18 I've been struggling with. Lots of reviews saying how good it is but my bottle is disappointing, especially as it is the most expensive bottle in my collection. Now you mention it, mine also has that unpleasant apple vinegar note. The only other Deanston I've had is the Virgin Oak, 46.3% ABV and that was good. Cheers!

[@Ridabu]

You forgot the worst tax, namely money printing and inflation. Bitcoin fixes this (and most other things)

[@robfut9954]

The government taxes the company you work for, then they tax your income, then they sometimes add a VAT tax, then they tax the production of the whisky you buy, then they tax the store you’re buying it from, then of course sales tax. It’s criminal.

[@yankchef4067]

And then they still can't live within their means and deficit spend so they have to tax us more

[@utoobia]

In the US the federal tax code is over 74,000 pages long. No one can rationalize or defend that. No one.

[@robfut9954]

@@utoobia and that’s exactly how they like it, impossible for the average man to understand. This way we are forced to accept it on faith, even creating a whole industry of “tax professionals” because it is literally impossible for anyone to grasp

[@blackfen]

Deanston distillery tours don't allow under 8's, but they do an 8-17yo child ticket that doesn't include any drams.

[@fotografi4fun]

Waiting for this to show up in Norway 🇳🇴

[@thomasqqcouperji4491]

Drank a whole bottle of that over a winter one of the best I’ve had bought at deanston

[@JazznRealHipHop]

Haven’t seen the 18 in my area of the United States but the 15 year old tequila cask is 250usd, little out of my price range 😢

[@christinecamley]

This is a delicious Deanston!! Highly recommend!!

[@yusufsayed1583]

Good Evening 😊 Great Review👌🏽 Have a Great Day & Greetings From South Africa 🇿🇦

[@jackwilson4284]

Deanston has been near the top of my to try list for too long now; it looks to be really good value. Also, interesting to see that the Isle of Man notes haven't switched over to polymer like the UK mainland and Northern Ireland.

[@Vortex1988]

I wish Deanston were more available in the US. I'm glad I grabbed my Deanston 12 when I did, because now the only bottle I seem to find on store shelves anymore is the NAS Deanston Virgin Oak.

[@popmanjob8438]

Dad bought me this as my first higher end whisky. Still haven’t opened :)

[@MyScottyboy1]

I bought a couple of these from MoM after watching this great review a couple of days ago. One for Dad and one for me! Delivered today. I think I got the last two from them but I am sure they will restock soon. I've tasted the 2020 and 2022 bottlings and they are lovely (and consistent) but this one seems a step up and I agree totally with your review, ralfy. The flavours seem really pronounced and I think the description of the flavours and nose on the bottle and from you are spot on. Absolutely beautiful whisky. Thank you. Cheers ralfy.

[@brownwaterboys8304]

Deanston and Arran are my 2 favs

[@kevinmrn]

Bought this one for £58.20 on Amazon about a week ago. You can't buy much better for that price.

[@Martin-uj7wj]

Many thanks for the info mate. Have a great week.

[@SimonneNZ]

Deanston is quite expensive here in New Zealand. The 18 has increased significantly in price in the last year, the cheapest I can find it is about $219 NZD (approx. 105 pounds) but most retailers have it closer to $250 NZD (approx. 120 pounds). The 12 has also increased significantly in the last year or so. Bring on the Xtras and a Ralfy Rant! Cheers!

[@robfut9954]

Prices aren’t much lower in the USA, but here most 18 year old malts go for $120-$170 USD. Prices are insane for any whisky that isn’t below 12 years or NAS.

[@dram_kruzhok]

Glendronach used to be 43% while non-chill filtered. They took care of that oddity :) Bye, Glendronach.

[@timhughes7057]

Hey Ralfy, I just bagged myself this on Amazon for just £63.99 BARGAIN

[@AGT0M]

In what world 86 points is high for a 18 yo @46.3% abv $120.6 single mault? Something is off. Thanks, but, no, thanks.

[@philipwolfenden4382]

Found the Deanston 18 year old for sale on Amazon prime for under £65.00. Ordered it straight away and now am looking forward to the delivery. Thanks Ralfy for the review, brilliant as always.

[@maewhiskero]

Ralfy, please review White Peak Wire Works Whisky, they're doing interesting stuff, I think you would like their products.

[@vangstr]

86 is a poor mark. Especially for this high quality good value drink. This deserves an 89 or 90.😢😢😢

[@waynevantonder252]

Forgive me for the ignorance, but given the laws of making Scotch Whisky, how are distilleries getting away with adding colouring (caramel) to their Whiskies? Is it not that it should only be Water, Yeast and Barley…

[@deeshmond]

Sorry if I missed it but what is the size of your standard dram, Ralfy (1oz/30ml)? Obviously a teaspoon of water will have a different effect on, for example, a 20ml dram vs a 50ml dram! Cheers 🥃

[@cliffhughes6010]

On the strength if this review, I just got a bottle of 18 yrs from Grapevine for £74. Just tried it. It's a lovely dram. Fantastic value.

[@jimmclachlan5941]

Just purchased a bottle of this , it says matured in 1st fill bourbon casks but according to other reviewers and the distillery its only finished in 1st fill casks.

[@farshadp6114]

Greetings, Mr. Ralfy, and thank you for another informative review. I have 12 yr and Virgin Oak, and I really like them both. 18 yr old is around $200 down in Aus. As you mentioned, it too, we have to be very mindful of spending too much.I still have around 150 bottles, mostly 2 third left. I have decided to slowly finish my bottles as I am running out of space and money and maybe limit the purchase to one every month. I'm not sure how it is going to work out 😂

[@MG-iu9yj]

I agree about the caramel , I used to buy ledaig , cheap young , non chill filtered and no caramel, I can’t get it anymore. Real shame.

[@ACCPhil]

I love all of the Deanstons (that I have tried). I have an Infrequent Flyers independent bottling of a single Marsala cask Deanston bottled at 13yo which I am about to have a dram of. What you said about professionals adding much more water reminded me of advice I had about mixing recorded music in a DAW. Try listening to the mix with the volume turned way down to get a real feel for the balance. This may be a terrible analogy.

[@smthreet21]

Agreed sour is the added dimension this brings to the party and it truly is unafraid to showcase wonderful honeyed barley notes with that sour juxtaposition well said!

[@whompbiscuits8930]

Just noticed Ralfy changed the name of his channel to *thewhiskybothy.* Gotta say, I like it.

[@Mike-vw7ct]

Oh my 😱, no need to watch this review. Not at least 50% I don’t buy it. And that, is my vote as to what I will tolerate from distillers. Vote with your money!

[@MrCounselor17]

Ralphy, I am a bit confused about one point, In the UK do distillers determine the price that their product is sold at? Because in America I am fairly certain that distillers have no real control over what retailers choose to charge for a product. My point is this, if we have issues with prices should we point the finger at distillers or retailers?

[@cliffhughes6010]

I really don't want a castrated whisky

[@heisenbergguy7772]

It’s $150 plus tax where I am in Texas, USA!

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

I hope you will review the Glen Moray 18 and compare it to this bottle. It is 47.2% NCF NC full maturation in first fill bourbon casks and usually costs less than this Deanston. Years ago I had the older packaging of the Deanston 18 and the Glen Moray 18. I did many side by side tastings and the Glen Moray was my preference every time. I know that people say the newer bottlings of this are better than the old ones but I would bet on the GM still coming up on top? Cheers Ralfy

[@Cypeq]

I've never tried Deanston, I was recently thinking a bunch about trying something with more age on it and made with integrity because money gets serious at that age. I pulled the plug on 12 and 18 years old, it felt it's not gonna be the best experience if I don't have their standard 12 yo offering to compare to. This review couldn't come at a better time, thanks Ralfy.

[@gishg3833]

This can be got for £58 on Amazon atm.

[@jackrichards6656]

I really like Deanston 18. However, I was passing the distillery a few weeks back on my way to Loch Tay for a few days camping and fishing. I dropped in on the distillery and picked up a few miniatures. Amongst them was the Deanston 2002 - 17 Year Old - Organic PX Cask Finish. It was INCREDIBLE. I tried the 17yr old PX side by side with the 18 yr old and, for my palate, the 17 year old was far superior. So incredibly rich and well rounded. In fact, this reminds me to go online and stash a couple of bottles right now!

[@SaltyCuban]

It may be superior. But it’s twice as expensive. Deanston 18 may be had on sale for @65 pounds not counting shipping or taxes. The 17 yr old is never on sale and is @117 pounds.

[@rkostyantyn]

I miss the days when reviews were more focused on the subject than general thoughts on the economy, politics and hard times) No offense, just an observation)

[@ffll8427]

this has a bananas aroma!

[@Ronsat]

Just ordered a bottle. 64.67 from Amazon. Credit card took a wee hit. Ach! so whit,yer a lang time deed!😉

[@ryk-mp5lz]

Add it as a subscribe & save for an extra 15% off and it drops to £58.20. (Subscribe & save doesn't cost anything & you can immediately cancel afterwards if you like).

[@Ronsat]

@@ryk-mp5lz already an amazon member. free postage.

[@Martin-uj7wj]

@@ryk-mp5lz Why would you cancel at that price?

[@ryk-mp5lz]

@@Martin-uj7wj I mentioned that just for people who weren't aware of how it worked or only wanted one bottle. I've been subscribed for a year or two and have several backups squirreled away from when it's gone on offer in the £55-60 range :) (There's a number of other really good deals occasionally available with subscribe & save stacking like Lagavulin 16 @ £50 & Classic Laddie @ £30, but I think Deanston 18 < £60 is hands-down the best value).

[@randyspizman8078]

I did their barrel reserve tour a few weeks ago. We were the only ones, and the lovely lady presenting poured generous amounts. Lovely stuff. I think the youngest malt was 19yrs.

[@GrahamGreenwood-q3r]

My Last purchase Feb 2022 £49.99 … wish I’d had the confidence to buy a case 😢

[@Ogma3bandcamp]

Great thumbnail!

[@jamescostigan3721]

I really love Deanston 12. I have not been able to yet find the 18 here in New England. I probably will not experience it until we (hopefully) travel to Scotland next year for our anniversary, where I have stated clearly to my wife that we have to visit Deanston and Doune Castle. And I'm looking forward to your X-tras rant. Cheers!

[@richardgenerazio5280]

I ordered it Direct!! Living in Maine A lot of Distilleries will ship. If not, Loch Fyne, Royal mile and etc will ship Cheers

[@pepebruno1672]

USD $88 shipping definitely discourages the distillery direct purchase. Very hard to find in the USA. Most of the time closer to $200.

[@thomaslusk5518]

Deanston 12, Bunna 12 and Glen Scotia 15 are my holy trinity, however currently open are 2 bargains ( I think) Tullibardine 228 £29.00 Tesco Bladnoch Vinaya £35 (reduced from £50 Amazon)

[@RustyRoger]

It's more pricey, but I think that Bladnoch Samsara is absolutely beautiful. I went on a tour there a couple of months ago and sampled some of their new make spirit. It was dangerous because it was 63 odd percent, but didn't taste it, and was deliciously fruity! Plus you can buy their NMS separately...

[@thomaslusk5518]

@@RustyRogerthanks I’ll keep an eye out, I do have a bottle of Bladnoch 10 limited release, saving for a special occasion !

[@KNURKonesur]

KZbin says the video is 21:37 but when you click it, it's 21:36... nearly hit a legendary Polish meme number! Anyways, on to what I'm expecting to be an entertaining rant and a review of a good whisky!

[@cedricrobert9833]

Each time I come back to Ralfy, I am always surprised how he's a living whisky bible ! He's a Master !

[@robfut9954]

Deanston is solid stuff. Well made but not exceedingly expensive like the “buzz brands” (you know who they are).

[@maltedbarleyman7834]

Great review as usual Ralfy. I was wondering if you could review the Glen Scotia 18? I don't hear much about it and was wondering what your thoughts on it are? Cheers🥃

[@Mylatestdram]

Thank you for stating that for the Distillery Tour! I plan to visit Edinburgh (and Glasgow; surely visiting Goods Spirit) and that was one of the daytrip tours, that were heavily promoted. Now I am sure. To take that. Pretty sure, that I dont want the "JW expierience".

[@nikolaikrustev1159]

Never had a Deanston until I picked up the 10yo Bordeaux cask airport special this summer - an absolutely wonderful stuff (I could swear it is 15+) Even my girlfriend loved it and when I tried to nudge her toward the Glenlivet 10 (40%) abv she said 'Nah, too strong' (compared to the 46.3% Deanston:)))

[@markusm5555]

Well, E150A is natural. The issue comes with B, C and D. (Check your Coke bottle.)

[@robertforrester4019]

I can't figure out why you ralphy doesn't have a half million subscribers!! Cheers from northern indiana usa

[@flintandball6093]

The price of this whisky just doubled!

[@danielmcevoy976]

If I ever see this for that kind of price I will buy 3 bottles... because I know from experience now integrity is always worth it and I will enjoy the experience.

[@larsandersson9336]

My favourite amongst (!) Deanston Virgin Oak, 12y and 15 Organic is the 15. Might check this one out but the 15 is half the price here. All Deanstons so far have been great though!

[@davidwilliamsonoflaren1713]

Love Deanston holds a very special place in my heart and whisky journey..have some land that a river flows through Balquhidder that the water in Deanston whisky has in it…it’s a great distillery tae visit as well as it was originally a cotton mill designed by Richard arkwright who designed and built a lot of mills in Derbyshire England they also built the houses next tae the mill which is worth the visit alone tae see it’s also the only distillery in Scotland to be self-sufficient in electricity, with power generated by an on-site hydro-energy facility.

[@Irene_Bae]

Not sure if it's just me, but I thought the vanilla on this one was far too overbearing. Great value for an 18-year-old notwithstanding. Slàinte Mhath!

[@Lokotraktor]

I always wonder about the dilution ratio - 5ml of water into how much whisky? Thanks for another great video!

[@martindouwe6099]

The Deanston 20 y/o Port matured is still one of my all time favourites. Long gone off course. Looking forward to the Extra's

[@macscott5290]

At last a Deanston. One of my favourite mainland malts. IMHO they don't produce a bad dram in any of their expressions. Distillery tour is worth doing - traditional old style tour - not the manufactured "event" ones you see in some of the bigger brands these days?

[@Tasmanian.]

This one has been lingering around the top of my wish list for far too long. I loved the 12, even more than the Clynleish 14 actually, so I’ll be adding this to the selection really soon for (AUD 170) in my market. I wish I could visit the distillery on the river Teith. Their website also states that it’s natural colour, none added to any of their whiskies. It’s just not stated on the bottle.

[@RustyRoger]

I'm in love with Arran at the moment...and not just the whisky! I went a couple of months ago for a day trip...then was back for a long weekend not long after! Visited both Lagg and Lochranza (The Arran) distilleries and both of their whiskies were a joy to sample! Left with a few bottles of both with my girlfriend and we're just loving them so much! As you said, it's just so much better than the larger, well-established ones. Plus, Arran gave you a free glass after the tour haha!

[@SteveHB59]

Has there been a channel name change?

[@raycroal]

River Teith Ralfy not river dean, the town is named after the dean of dunblane.

[@frankiehawkins3877]

Hi ralfy I think I have told you this before, but anyway I'm a deanston fan boy, I don't have a bottle of this expression, but I have about 10 others in my bunker, and I'm going to get a bottle of this real soon,I have one bottle of deanston 2002 organic oloroso cask finish, and its fantastic to say the least, it use to be a little over $100.00 a bottle, but I could not find it anywhere, so I went too the cask cartel and bought another bottle, and it cost me $330.00 USA dollars with shipping, which is ridiculous for any whisky, but for me its so rare now that I just couldn't pass it up, if you can find a bottle, pull the trigger on it, and you can thank me later,love your reviews ralfy, I watch all of your videos on whisky and other quality stuff like rum,thanks ralfy !!!

[@Proefkonijntje]

I bought a bottle of Deanston 18 to take on my vacation to France and I thoroughly enjoyed it! To end the day under the stars sipping a dram of this on a warm french evening was a great pleasure I didn't mind repeating many times during the trip. Absolutely worth the price!

[@jondouglass-bull6729]

Are you planning to review Bladnoch in the near future?

[@sav7568]

1043 extras looks like being a great beer and popcorn event. 🍺🍺 🍿 🍿

[@johnnyg3606]

Currently £74.99 on Amazon

[@pmckeown38]

Got my bottle, its excellent

[@jujtan5412]

Hi master blender Ralfy 👋😬

[@sav7568]

There is no caramel in any of the Deanston range.

[@Gungrave123]

Deanston prices are outrageous to be honest.

[@sav7568]

Supply and demand. There will always be a premium on quality labels like Deanston, Edradour, Glencadam or Arran. On the other hand there are always deals on anything from Diageo.

[@Gungrave123]

@@sav7568 But there isn't any premium on Arran bottles. 30-40 Euro for the 10yo, 50 for the cask strength is excellent price, and it is still readily available. In the same store, they are asking 110 euro for a bottle of Deanston 10yo.

[@brownwaterboys8304]

Mega Powers of the Malt-o-Verse

[@kenny222]

*River Teith

[@TheVolcano2334]

I live in the USA. I’ve been watching your videos for years. Me and my family are going to the UK and Ireland March of 2025. Would be really neat to meet you. Please reach out if you’re interested! Thank you!

[@amauridiaz2609]

That is a really excellent gem. Ralphy.