Introduction
I recently had the opportunity to taste three single malts released by The Whisky Agency — Deanston, Braeval, and Croftengea — all bottled as part of a small series. I approached this lineup with curiosity, knowing they're quite different in profile. Deanston typically leans into creamy Highland character, Braeval offers a lighter Speyside style, and Croftengea is known for its smoky weight. Tasting them side by side gave me a better appreciation for how cask type and distillation style interact across these regions.
Nose
Starting with the Deanston, the aroma was soft and husky — a combination of barley-led sweetness and old oak. There were subtle notes of wax, lemon pith, and dried grass, with a touch of baking spice in the background. It came across as understated but clearly well-aged. The Braeval was brighter on the nose — fresh pears, citrus zest, and honeyed cereal tones stood out. It had a gentle floral lift that reminded me of chamomile and elderflower. The Croftengea, on the other hand, was distinctly peated. Smoky leather, wood ashes, and saline-meets-soot notes gave it a much more intense opening, although there was also some sweet malty depth if you stuck with it.
Palate
On the palate, the Deanston was oily and rounded. I got a mix of almond, beeswax, and stewed apples, with a woody dryness toward the back. It had that familiar aged Highland profile — measured and balanced more than assertive. The Braeval was brighter and more playful — green apples, white grape juice, and a touch of vanilla shortbread made it feel crisp and clean. There was a nice thread of citrus oil running through it as well. The Croftengea was full-bodied and smoky, with burnt heather, earthy peat, and tarry black licorice dominating the mid-palate. A touch of sweetness (think burnt sugar) appeared near the end, helping to prevent it from feeling one-dimensional.
Finish
Deanston’s finish was relatively dry and tapered off with notes of oak tannin, light spice, and lemon peel. The Braeval lingered with floral and honeyed tones, retaining that clean profile to the end without becoming bitter. The Croftengea kept on going — earthy smoke, cracked pepper, and slightly medicinal notes extended well into the finish. Among the three, the Croftengea definitely had the longest and most stubborn aftertaste.
Price and Value
All three whiskies are positioned in the mid-to-premium price bracket, as typical for independently bottled single casks of respectable age. I felt the Braeval offered the best value for its character — youthful but well-defined and elegant. The Deanston showed signs of age and cask influence, although it might appeal more to those who enjoy subtlety. Croftengea is a compelling option for peat lovers, particularly if you're looking for something outside the usual Islay suspects.
Background
The Whisky Agency is known for selecting and bottling characterful single malts under their own label. This trio consists of:
- Deanston 28 Year Old (1994), from the Highlands, drawn from a bourbon barrel.
- Braeval 13 Year Old (2009), from Speyside, matured in a bourbon barrel as well.
- Croftengea 15 Year Old (2007), the heavily peated style produced at Loch Lomond distillery.
Each was bottled at cask strength, non-chill filtered, and without added colour. This kind of presentation lets the individual distillery character come through without interference. More about the distillery details can be found on the Loch Lomond and Deanston official websites.
Final Notes
Among the three, would I buy any of these again? Personally, I’d happily pick up the Braeval for its freshness and balance — it fits well into a daily dram category without being simple. Is the Croftengea suitable for someone new to peated whisky? Probably not; it's intense and rustic — more for someone already familiar with smoky malts. What kind of moment suits the Deanston? I found it best suited for an evening where you’re looking for something quiet and comforting rather than bold. And how does the Braeval compare to other Speyside drams? It’s brighter and more citrus-driven than average, which gives it an edge if you’re looking for something clean but not too sweet.