Burn Stewart 12 Year Old De Luxe Blended Scotch Whisky

Burn Stewart 12 Year Old De Luxe Blended Scotch Whisky is a vintage bottling produced by Stewart & Son of Dundee, likely dating from the 1980s. Though it shares lineage with the Burn Stewart Distillers portfolio—which includes Deanston, Tobermory, and Bunnahabhain—this particular expression is a blended Scotch, not a single malt, and was marketed under the Royal Stewart label for export.

Speculative Tasting Notes: Burn Stewart 12 Year Old De Luxe (1980s Bottling)

Appearance: Rich amber, possibly enhanced with caramel coloring typical of the era.

Nose: Soft grain sweetness with hints of honey and vanilla. Dried fruits—sultana, fig, and orange peel. Gentle spice—nutmeg and cinnamon. Faint smoke, likely from Highland or lightly peated malts. Subtle waxy and herbal undertones, suggesting age and complexity

Palate: Medium-bodied and smooth, with a creamy texture. Notes of toffee, malt biscuit, and stewed fruits. Oak spice and a touch of licorice.

Finish: Medium length, warming and dry. Lingering malt sweetness, soft spice, and a whisper of smoke

Historical Context

Bottled at 43% ABV, a notch above standard strength for added richness. Marketed as a “De Luxe” blend, likely positioned as a premium offering in its time. Stewart & Son was a respected blending house, and this bottling may have included malts from Deanston or Tobermory, both under Burn Stewart’s umbrella