The Deacon Scotch Whisky Highball Makes Its Debut

Crafted for drinkability but far from simple, The Deacon is a blended Scotch whisky that brings together the rugged charm of peated Islay malts and the smoother, more accessible character of mainland Scottish whiskies. The result is a spirit that walks the line between smoky intensity and refined sweetness — and does it with remarkable poise.

On the nose, The Deacon is unmistakably expressive. Notes of charred orange, woodsmoke, and sweet malt biscuits rise first, quickly followed by hints of spiced citrus and tangy peat. It’s the sort of aroma that invites a deeper nosing, layer by layer. This balanced complexity is no accident: The Deacon blends carefully selected malts from Islay — famed for their smoky punch — with softer mainland contributions, including those from Speyside, to create a profile that is both bold and accessible… and spectacularly tasty and easy to drink.

At 40% ABV, the whisky delivers on the palate, too. There’s a peaty core, no doubt, but it’s supported by sweet and spicy undertones, giving the dram a rounded character. A smooth finish makes it easy to enjoy either neat or on the rocks, while its balance of smoke and sweetness also lends itself well to whisky-forward cocktails like an Old Fashioned.

And another drink in which The Deacon shines is the classic highball. Often associated with Japanese whiskies, the whisky highball works incredibly well with The Deacon, with the recipe calling for orange zest rather than the traditional lemon slice. Refreshing, fizzy, and tasty, a Deacon highball is a winning way to enjoy this whisky.

But it’s not just what’s inside the bottle that gets attention — The Deacon’s packaging is every bit as distinctive as the liquid it contains. The whisky comes in a copper-toned bottle embossed with intricate detailing and adorned with a striking, illustrated label. The design features a masked, goggle-wearing figure, a nod to steampunk aesthetics and the whisky’s flair for the unconventional.

Even the name carries layered meaning. While “deacon” may call to mind a religious figure in English, in Scots, it refers to a skilled master tradesman — a subtle tribute to the craftsmanship behind this well-balanced blend. Altogether, The Deacon makes a statement on the shelf and in the glass — rich, smoky, stylish, and modern, but grounded in the heritage of Scotch whisky. And as the base for a fantastic highball, The Deacon proves a versatile addition to any bar.

The Deacon Highball

Ingredients:

• 50 ml The Deacon Blended Scotch Whisky
• 150 ml chilled soda water
• Large, clear ice cubes
• Orange zest, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass to the brim with large, clear ice cubes.
2. Pour 50 ml of The Deacon whisky over the ice.
3. Gently top up with 150 ml of chilled soda water.
4. Stir gently to combine, preserving the carbonation.
5. Express a twist of orange zest over the drink and drop it in as garnish