Bought: Nickolls & Perks, 22nd January 2016
Ratings:
93/100 – Whisky Bible 2014
87.79/100 – Whiskybase (average from 16 member votes)
Port Dundas single grain distillery closed in 2010 but whoever bought up the old stock isn’t selling off the most recent casks for bottling. Why would they since vintage casks from a closed distillery are far more likely to bring a profit. This 21-year-old was one of the youngest examples of Port Dundas mentioned in the Whisky Bible 2014 with 5 of the 9 listed being 30+ years old.
Jim Murray, author of the Whisky Bible, really rates this Port Dundas 1992. 93/100 categorises it as “brilliant” and Mr Murray says of the taste “although the oak has dug in and makes an early impact, the spreading of what appears to be soft corn oils helps the ever-intensifying sugars to see off the underlying toastiness.” He summarises with “astonishingly invigorating. Leaps from the glass with intent and purpose. Wonderful!”
Scoring nearly 88/100 on Whiskybase is a fantastic score. Voters include comments of “absolutely stunning single grain!” , “so very well balanced, no off notes, not too grainy, not too sweet. I love this! This one easily beats most single malts in its price range.” And “bulls eye, this Port Dundas. Quite a complex grain! Recommended.”
Port Dundas is a very good introduction to single grain whisky, and a big step up from an entry level £20 bottle of Cameron Brig. But it seems that having a sweet tooth would be an advantage.
Whisky Den 