If you are looking for an alternative to the usual festive circuit this weekend, Deanston Distillery is bringing back its annual DramFest event. The Highland distillery, set on the River Teith near Doune, will open its doors for a series of tastings, tours and workshops that offer a closer look at one of Scotland’s more quietly confident single malts.
I recently enjoyed a couple of drams of the Deanston 18 year old which served as a sharp reminder of what the distillery does well. The nose brings warm pastry notes, cinnamon and apple, with touches of leather and dark chocolate in the background. The palate is light, slightly waxy and gently spiced with ginger syrup and apple, becoming softer and sweeter with a little water. It is a balanced ex bourbon whisky that feels confident without forcing the issue. It is the kind of bottle that earns a permanent place on the shelf.
DramFest’s Saturday line up focuses on flavour and production. The Blending Masterclass gives guests the chance to nose and work with whiskies matured in different cask types before creating their own eight year old Deanston. The Distillery Manager’s Tour, led by Murray Kerr, takes visitors through the stillhouse to sample wort, wash and new make spirit before ending with a tasting of three single cask drams that are not available to buy.
For those interested in cask influence, the Cask Origins Tasting looks at how previous fills like sherry, red wine and stout shape Deanston’s profile. The Warehouse Walks offer a more atmospheric angle, with long serving warehouseman Gordon pouring drams straight from the cask in the dunnage. It is a simple but compelling snapshot of whisky in its rawest form.
Sunday shifts into a community focused day with a Christmas market, Santa, reindeer and a softer festive feel. Throughout the weekend there are also live coopering demonstrations which highlight the craft behind the casks themselves.
Tickets start from £35 and are available at deanstonmalt.com/dramfest.
If your weekend plans could use something a little more grounded than another festive fair, DramFest might be worth the detour!
