The Deacon Whisky is described as a skillful blend of smoky Speyside and peaty Islay malt whiskies, promising a complex, rich, and smoky experience — or at least that’s the marketing pitch!
The bottle itself stands out on any bar: its burnt orange metallic copper finish gives it a sleek, industrial vibe. My partner, a Chemical Engineer, pointed out how it resembles the copper distilling pots used in whisky production. After a quick Google, it seems that’s exactly the look they aimed for. But don’t let the Plague Doctor image on the front fool you — this whisky is far from sinister.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, as The Deacon was new to me. When they kindly offered to send us a bottle, I couldn’t say no. For this tasting, I decided not to research it beforehand, letting the whisky and packaging do the talking. On opening, the aroma didn’t immediately impress, honestly it felt like a typical budget whisky. But once poured the colour is a lovely golden amber, and the smokiness was unmistakable. My first sip was surprising(ly good) it’s incredibly smooth, if not one of the smoothest I’ve tried. It’s also quite sweet, with no harsh burn despite its 40% ABV.
I’m no connoisseur, but here’s what The Deacon claims to offer: layers of peat and woodsmoke with hints of toffee, charred orange, and a touch of spice. Maybe you’ll pick up on those flavours, maybe not. But personally, I caught the orange and toffeeish notes, and they really resonated.
The downside? Yes, taste is incredibly personal and I’ll leave that to the Whisky ‘experts’. However, in my experience, some might find it a bit watery, while other may argue it lacks a punch. Who’s it for? Judging by the branding, you might think it’s geared towards a gothic crowd, but really, it’s ideal for anyone who loves a smoky, smooth, and subtly sweet whisky.
At this price point, it’s definitely worth a try and would be perfect as a gift for a casual Whisky lover!
Photo courtesy of The Deacon Whisky.
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