This Port Dundas was tasted as part of Dramfool‘s Brain Tumor Research Charity Tasting. Chatting with others in the tasting, it was clear that many present had been impacted by the effects of Brain Tumors/Cancer. It was a wonderful experience to share these drams with loved ones in mind while supporting future research. Thanks to those who donated the bottles in this tasting, and to Dramfool for yet another exceptional tasting experience (with purpose).
And on to the dram…
Whisky: Port Dundas ~25 Year (1998), Cigar Ben Bottling
Country/Region: Scotland/Lowland Grain
ABV: 60.7%
Cask: Unknown
Age: Approx 25 Years (Distilled 1998, Bottled Unknown)
Nose: Grass. Lemon Lysol. Coastal.
Palate: Peppery. Creamy. Sauternes. Sweet and slightly salty. Delicate fruits.
Finish: Touch of cream. Dash of syrup. Biscuit.
Score: 6
Mental Image: Table cleaner with a coastal view.
Narrative: This is my first experience with the dead Port Dundas distillery, which Diageo closed in 2010, and one of only a few encounters I’ve had with grain whisky. This particular bottle appears to be for the Chinese market and omitted a bottling date. The Dramfool team estimated it to be 25-26 years aged.
On the palate, this immediately reminded me of a freshly cracked bottle of Bruichladdich 18 Re/Define. However, I found it less complex and with a thinner mouthfeel. The flavors here were pretty narrow and shallow, and featured a bit too much pepper in relation to the subtler flavors. However, as a massive Bruichladdich nerd, I did really enjoy the good that was present.