Sustainable Highland Craftsmanship Meets Timeless Quality in New Organic Release
Deanston, Scotland (October 21, 2024) – Deanston Distillery, the world’s first certified organic Scotch whisky since 2000 (accredited by the Organic Food Federation), has unveiled its latest addition to its pioneering range of organic single malts to the United States — its 2002 Vintage Organic American Oak Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky.
As a whisky distillery, when it comes to sustainability and supporting sustainable practices, Deanston holds itself to the highest standards, ensuring its environmental impact is as low as possible. This exceptional release has been fully matured in carefully selected organic re-charred American Oak casks, imparting a subtle waxy, citrus character to the whisky. This new char ensures the casks are organic-certified and delivers a higher level of extractives during maturation, adding further depth and complexity to the final spirit.
Every drop of this new release is crafted from 100% organic Scottish barley, sourced from Scottish farmers who practice sustainable, pesticide-free agriculture, and processed at an organic maltings facility. Bottled at cask strength (49.7% ABV), this non-chill filtered whisky is an outstanding modern classic—notes of vanilla and caramel intertwine with the sweetness of honey and the rich warmth of oak, creating a truly delicious whisky-tasting experience. This whisky is more than just a delightful dram; matured for 20 years, it is also one of the oldest organic Scotch whiskies available globally today.
"At Deanston, our commitment goes beyond crafting exceptional whisky—we are dedicated to creating whisky that is better for the planet and our local community,” said Andrew Waite, head of Deanston Distillery. “Since earning certification from the Organic Food Federation in April 2000, we have become pioneers in organic Scotch whisky making and are proud to be one of the distilleries leading the way in showcasing its craft.”
Deanston Distillery harnesses the power of the River Teith, which flows alongside the facility, using a hydroelectric generator to convert the river’s energy into power. Due to its history as an ex-cotton mill, the distillery can employ a rare high-gravity distillation method which significantly reduces energy consumption. This, combined with a traditional hands-on method of production, is a further testament to the distillery’s commitment to sustainability and community-driven initiatives.
“Deanston’s organic whisky production is limited by its commitment to quality, rigorous standards to maintain organic certification, and the constraints of a very small production window after our silent season,” continues Waite. “This means our organic whiskies, including this new 2002 Vintage Organic American Oak release, will always be limited in quantity and highly sought after. With only 2,826 bottles available worldwide and 600 bottles in the U.S., this release is set to be in high demand.”
Before launching in the United States, the 2002 Organic American Oak whisky has already garnered acclaim, earning a Gold medal in the 2024 International Wine and Spirit Competition with an impressive score of 95 points in the Cask Strength category.
Deanston 2002 Organic American Oak is available at select retailers in the United States and can be pre-ordered on ReserveBar.com.
In addition to the 2002 Organic American Oak single malt, Deanston will also release its 18-Year-Old Whisky to the United States this month. This award-winning whisky, now part of Deanton’s core ranges, has been fully matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels for 18 years. Also available in limited quantities in the U.S., the 18-Year-Old Whisky is available at select retailers nationwide and on ReserveBar.com.
TASTING NOTES:
2002 Organic American Oak - Cask Strength (49.7% ALC/VOL, 99.4 Proof, 700 ML) - MSRP $298.99
Color: Deep Gold
Nose: Sweet notes of vanilla and caramel are intertwined with cedar, wood spice and hints of ripe fruits.
Palate: Rich, yet dry on the palate. Honey spice, stone fruits, toasted oak and a gentle note of freshly cut grass.
Finish: Lingering finish of desiccated coconut and a touch of cocoa.
18-Year-Old Whisky (46.3% ALC/VOL, 92.6 Proof, 700 ML) - MSRP $153.99
Color: Caramel Gold
Nose: Quite aromatic, with balanced American oak notes. Floral, malty, grassy, vanilla and honey with hints of tobacco and nutmeg.
Palate: Sweet and spicy, citrus, barley sugar, gingerbread, Manuka honey and white pepper flavors.
Finish: Dry and spicy with a warming gingery honeyed tail.
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About Deanston Distillery
In 1785, the Adelphi Cotton Mill was established. Employing nearly 1,500 people at its peak, the mill founders saw an opportunity in the trade boom of the 1800s and seized it. With success came expansion, their own currency, and - in 1830 - a lade and one of the biggest waterwheels in Europe were installed, before being replaced by electrical turbines in 1949 – the same turbines we’ve come to rely on today. When in 1965, the cotton mill of Deanston town closed for good, it seemed the community’s days of trading were over. Enter Brodie Hepburn and his entrepreneurial partners. Seeing potential, where others only saw challenges, the industrious consortium identified a new use for the building, lade, and weaving shed. And so, in 1966, Deanston Distillery opened for business, with the very first bottle of Deanston produced 8 years later, in 1974.
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