Port Dundas 18 Year Single Grain

Rating: 11/23 Today is National Scotch Day, so I had to pick a scotch to have. This one seems interesting enough to fit the occasion, so I'm cracking it open. N: On the lighter side, but with a nice oily fullness that has hints of tangerine and lemon. Not the most interesting nose, but it has some nice, typical single grain character. I do get some of that grainy dry tartness that makes me worry this might be harsh, but we'll see. P: Sweet vanillins mix with tangerine and lemon, as well as a dash of sort of malty light caramel. It burns, unfortunately, but unsurprisingly. There's also an overall youthfulness that is typical of single grains. That said, the flavors do integrate well (aside from that burn). They aren't that complex though. F: The sweetness lingers, along with some burn. The sweetness has a grainier vibe now, with the vanillins reduced and the caramel gone. The fruity tartness doesn't make it through. - Conclusion - I'm not a big fan of this, but it does seem like a well-executed single grain. It's just unfortunate that grain whisky is kind of bad. Side-by-side, Compass Box Hedonism (12/23) actually tastes quite hedonistic for once, with plenty of bourbon barrel richness coming through. I think that this burns more too. It's not looking good for this Port Dundas. Light vegetal notes from this in comparison. Signatory's Caledonian 29 (1987) (12/23) has a bunch more wood going on (and obviously more heat, seeing as it's cask strength). I'd put the two of them close together, but the win goes to the Caledonian. I think that the Caledonian is a low 12, so this is going to be a 10 or 11. I think I'll go with an 11 for this, but it's borderline. Eh, there's actually a lot less funk in this than in the others, which I appreciate. I previously thought that this was a 10 or 11, but now I'm thinking an 11 or 12. I'm going with that 11 for sure now. This is a solid single grain, but it's unfortunately another example of grain whisky being inferior to malt. Thank you @jdriip for sharing this! I'd been hunting for it for a while, so I'm glad to be able to move on to other hunts now :)

A uniquely sweet scotch which shows its bourbon finish proudly. Worth taking any opportunity to get a taste.

Nose pepper oak, apple. Pallet Pepper apple pear honey. Finish leaves quick

A bit flat for such an age, would be interested in the 21+. Light on the nose, heavy pear influence that turns into honey and apple. Not bad at all! But I wouldn’t pay for it again.

Delicious butter cookies, chocolate, toffee and vanilla on the nose, super smooth palate and medium finish. Not complex, just great. Retaste 8/18/22 Butter cookies, chocolate and toffee on the nose, adds a little graininess, heat and sourness to the above notes on the palate, medium finish. I don’t think being opened for two and a half years has been kind to this whiskey.

rich, buttery toffee, pear, cocoa