Levi KeswickKey Takeaways:
- Buchanan’s Deluxe 12 Year Old, often overshadowed by bigger brands, offers a unique drinking experience that proves its worth.
- Contrary to initial expectations, the Deluxe 12 Year Old’s blend delivers a complex aroma and layered taste.
- Despite its origins, it doesn’t strictly adhere to typical Irish whisky standards, incorporating an unusual grain-to-malt ratio.
- This blend seems to defy easy categorization, but its sophisticated nature may make it an ideal introduction to single malts for novices.
Buchanan’s Deluxe 12 Year Old: Unearthing Its Standing in the Whisky World
In the global whisky stage, brands often find themselves at the mercy of reputation and visibility. Buchanan’s is a prime example of a lesser-known brand that, despite the quality it brings, finds itself obscured in the shadow of its more famed counterparts. While its presence may not be as strong in some parts of the world, such as the UK, its loyal fan base and product merit should not be underestimated.
Interestingly, Buchanan’s Deluxe 12 Year Old deviates significantly from its original blend. Its unique characteristics – not typically associated with Irish whisky – make it a pleasant surprise. The Deluxe 12 Year Old is not merely an aged version of the original; instead, it offers a taste experience that stands firmly on its own merit.
Taking a Sip: Unraveling the Buchanan’s Deluxe 12 Year Old Nose
The nose of a whisky is a crucial part of the tasting experience. One might expect a harsher aroma from the Buchanan’s Deluxe 12 Year Old, considering its blend. However, it instead delivers an engaging complexity that reveals itself gradually.
Initial strong grain spirit notes and a trace of aniseed may suggest a harsh ride. Yet, this whisky surprises the senses as it settles down and matures in its aroma, much like a well-aged wine.
As the complexity unravels, sweet, full fruity notes envelop the grain spirit, accompanied by a hint of citrus zest and the creamy fullness of barley. The faint presence of spice nestles in the depth of the corn. This whisky’s nose is reminiscent of a sweeter version of the spicy character of Teachers whisky.
Buchanan’s Deluxe 12 Year Old: A Journey in the Mouth
Following the delight of the nose, the Deluxe 12 Year Old greets the palate with a drier and spicier experience. The lively spices complement touches of ginger and pepper, while hints of toffee and orange peel add dimension.
The finish of this whisky is unique in its own right. It delivers a lemony astringency that counteracts the sweetness, making the whisky seem crisper and more robust. It certainly caters to those who appreciate a whisky with some bite.
In Retrospect: The Buchanan’s Deluxe 12 Year Old Conclusion
Despite initial expectations of sharper notes, the Buchanan’s Deluxe 12 Year Old whisky surprises with its softness and rounded edges. It gives the impression of a blend that will one day grow into one of the finest. Currently, it stands as a whisky of considerable complexity, with a subtle elegance that seems to be underrated.
In terms of flavor spectrum, it’s a bit of an enigma. It isn’t your standard Irish blend, with its distinctive grain-to-malt ratio. Nonetheless, it might just be the sophisticated blend that acts as a perfect introduction to single malts for whisky novices. The 12-year-old Buchanan’s Deluxe, tagged as ‘the younger Irish blended malt’, is currently the only one available in the UK out of the three blends from this award-winning company.
With 70.5% grain whisky (also known as ‘vatted Scotch whiskey’) and 29.5% single malt, it’s a surprising ratio in the whisky industry. The grain hails from six of Ireland’s finest grain distilleries, with Tyrconnell being the most prominent component. All these distilleries, each carrying a long tradition of whisky making, have concluded production, with Tyrconnell being the only exception.
In conclusion, the Buchanan’s Deluxe 12 Year Old whisky paints a picture of what it means to be underappreciated. Through this detailed Buchanan scotch review, it’s evident that it’s a blend that deserves more attention – not only for its unique blend but also for the layered experience it offers. It’s a whisky that certainly begs for a second taste.
