The Pride of Glasgow Returns
While it's definitely fun to find a single barrel of cask strength Scottish grain whisky that tastes like Bourbon with big woody notes and lots of spice, I like to mix it up every now and then. Sometimes I want grain whisky with smooth, vanilla-laden, grainy sweetness—the character that makes Johnnie Blue drinkers say: "Man, is that smooth." If you bought a bottle of our recent North British 28 year, you'll probably recognize that style of whisky as the former. This Port Dundas 28 year is definitely the latter. It's light in color, but deceptively rich on the palate. It's sweet like sugar and candy are sweet, but then the marzipan, almond notes, and oily grains come out to play and the whole thing mellows into a soft and oaky finish. At 50.5%, I wouldn't call it an "easy" whisky, but considering the 101 proof it glides over the palate like pure silk. Hardcore grain whisky fans will want to pour this over the rocks immediately, or—better yet—add soda for one decadent Highball cocktail. Super whisky nerds will want it purely as a blending component for home experiments.
-David Driscoll