11th May, 2015 by Melita Kiely

Burn Stewart Distillers has added two new expressions to its portfolio with the launches of Deanston 18 Year Old and Ledaig 18 Year Old Scotch whiskies.

Both whiskies are non-chill-filtered in keeping with Burn Stewart’s existing Scotch whisky range and have been created by master blender, Ian MacMillan.

“It’s an exciting time in the Scotch whisky market,” commented Alison Gibb, global marketing manager for Burn Stewart Malts. “The new Deanston and Ledaig expressions demonstrate our continued commitment to grow the Burn Stewart malts portfolio and to offer our consumers more choice.

“We are passionate about tradition and craftsmanship, and both of these 18 Year Olds embody the painstaking care and attention to detail that goes into every drop.”

Deanston 18YO is first aged in hogshead casks before being finished in first fill Kentucky Bourbon barrels at Deanston Distillery.

The flavour profile is said to be sweet, with honeyed fruit and a “deep, rich finish” of American oak, hints of tobacco and nutmeg.

“Like every malt we produce at Deanston, we’re proud to say that the 18 Year Old is deeply rooted in the history and tradition of the distillery,” said Ian MacMillan, master blender. “Its distinct and robust flavour combinations make it a very accessible dram, one which can be enjoyed both old and new lovers of Deanston Whisky.

“The 18 Year Old reflects the very best that nature, knowledge and patience has to offer.”

Meanwhile, Ledaig 18YO is described as a “wonderfully smoky” single malt, with sweet and floral aromas combined with the “richness and warmth” of sea salt and smoke.

“Ledaig 18 Year Old is the result of nearly two decades of careful maturation and meticulous craftsmanship,” expressed MacMillan. “For this expression, I’ve returned to the distillery’s roots to create a malt which represents the rebirth of the style of whisky that would have originally been produced at Tobermory.”

Available now in the UK and in select markets including Europe, North America and Asia, both Deanston 18YO and Ledaig 18YO have an abv of 46.3% and are priced at RRPs of £80 and £85 respectively.

Last month, Burn Stewart launched just 500 bottles of its “rarest and oldest” Ledaig Scotch whisky yet costing £3,500.