The Deacon Blended Scotch Whisky

The Deacon Blended Scotch Whisky (Photo by the brand)

Following its trend of slick marketing and cool packaging, Sovereign Brands released The Deacon, a blended Scotch whisky comprised of Islay and Speyside malts and select grain whiskies. The striking bottle, reminiscent of hammered copper ceiling tiles, and adorned with a drawing of a Medico Della Peste bedecked “Deacon” in full plague outfit. The outfit, worn most notably by medieval Venician doctors to reduce the risk of bubonic plague infection is also sometimes associated with “steampunk” culture. Appealing to a young, hip target market is a theme continued in the product’s website imagery.

So, amid all of the marketing, how is the whisky? A quick perusal of early reviews provides a cautionary tale for all new-release products – taste first, then read. Unfortunately, I did just the opposite, reading several reviews while waiting for a sample. Now that I did try The Deacon, I have to wonder if they actually tasted the whisky before writing their review! I’ve been reviewing Scotch for over 25 years, and consider myself fairly well-versed in good and less than whisky, and I must say that I quite enjoyed it!

Inside all that gothy glitter and sparkly spectacle is a damn fine blended Scotch. Is it the best I’ve ever tasted? No, but it doesn’t need to be. If we remember that blended Scotch whisky was the bedrock upon which single-malt madness was built, especially in the face of market pricing, The Deacon can stand tall. It’s distinctly smokey, like an Ardbeg, with solid peat underpinnings. But it also has a softly sweet side, making it an ideal after-dinner or cigar dram, matching that warm, fuzzy feeling you experience while sinking into a worn leather wing chair by the fire.

It pours a pale golden amber, immediately releasing intense smoke characteristics. The Islay in it is evident and includes notes of leather and brine. The mouthfeel is slightly thin, with almost no heat (40% ABV), and a noticeable sweetness. Initial flavors are heavily impacted by the smoke, with notes reminiscent of chocolate-covered orange candies, plus moist soil, pipe tobacco, egg custard, and sugar cookies. The finish reveals notes of zucchini bread, sweet caramel, and lingering smoke, The finish is fairly short.

The Deacon is an easy-drinking Scotch that will satisfy Islay fans seeking an inexpensive daily drinker. It’s in a similar class to Johnny Walker Double Black or Famous Grouse Smoky but with a catchy copper bottle. If you’re looking for a whisky that makes a statement, The Deacon’s bottle will do just that. If you’re seeking an Islay daily drinker that doesn’t demand too much, this is something you’ll want to consider, especially if you don’t expect too much, and like a smoky dram, The Deacon may be a great choice!