The doors of Port Dundas distillery were closed in 2010.  The distillery provided spirits giant and parent company Diageo  a large amount of grain whisky.  According to maltmadness.com, Port Dundas was one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, just shy of its 200th anniversary when it was shuttered.  Its grain whiskies were used in a lot of blends, including Johnnie Walker.  Diageo is releasing some of the aged stocks of the shuttered distillery in 12 and 18 year expressions.

Port Dundas 12-Year

Photo courtesy of Diageo

Bottled at 40% abv, this 12-year-old whisky has a light nose with honey, vanilla and a floral note.  I also get a hint of buttered bread.  The palate stays light as well.  Honeyed oats and vanilla bean comprise the majority of the tasting experience.  On the back of the palate, a nuttiness appears, as well as candied flower petals.  As expected, the finish is crisp and clean.  Flavors here are a tad muted, and the whisky is far from complex.  However, lemon peel and a splash of soda water added to this would make for a great summer-time drink.  A bottle of Port Dundas 12-year should cost around $49.99.

Port Dundas 18-Year

Photo courtesy of Diageo.

Port Dundas 18-year is bottled at a slightly higher 43% abv.  With the added age comes a larger price tag.  This one runs about $99.99 a bottle.  The nose here is louder than the 12-year.  Honey, fresh orange slices, and vanilla bean blend nicely together.  The citrus note is particularly strong here.  Taste-wise, a slightly toasted grain weighs in first, followed closely by vanilla ice cream, light toffee and orange liqueur.  The finish is short and slightly sweet.  There’s just more going on here compared to the 12-year.  Flavors and aromas are a bit more robust while still keeping things light.  After all, this IS as grain whisky.