The Deveron 12 Review

Distillery: Macduff. ABV: 40%. Age: 12 years. Region: Highland. Price: $45.

When John Dewar & Sons offered us the chance to sample its Last Great Malts collection (Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, Royal Brackla, and The Deveron), our hopes were high. Any collection purporting to offer the last of the more or less undiscovered malts has to be bringing it–and we already knew the Craigellachie did.

But for me, thus far, the rest of the collection has been a mixed bag. While I love the Aultmore 12, the 12-year-old Deveron is a touch underwhelming. It’s part of the first range of single malts to be released from the Macduff distillery, all of which come in at the same modest ABV of 40%. The nose on the 12 is fairly shy, as if it’s afraid to display the toffee, apple, and brown sugar that so want to come out. The palate brings the apple to the fore, with sprinkles of cinnamon, cereal, and hay. The finish is gone before you know to look for it, and left me wanting much more.

All in all, it’s a decent introductory Highland malt, but not one I’d serve the more experienced whisky drinker.

Cheers, friends! – TM

The distiller kindly shared a sample for review. As always, our opinions are 100% our own.