2000 Claxton's Warehouse No.1 Dumbarton 21 Year Old Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Also known as 'Inverleven', Dumbarton is one of the more revered single grains, partly because the distillery was decommissioned in 1985, but mainly due to its reputation for high quality. We've tasted some older versions that have been nothing less than stunning. This is middle-aged for the category. A sprightly nose, at first nondescript, then sporting intense aromas of mocha, coffee cake and sticky date pudding before late marzipan gives way to a twang of sulphur. Because it's maize (corn) based rather than wheat, it's far from your average single grain profile with a 'sherry-esque' quality that would satisfy malt lovers. The Amarone barrique leaves no distinctive trace of the wine, besides an unctuous mid-palate where sweet red fruits almost break through the bitter chocolate, spice and chewy astringency leaving you with a fleeting grapey juiciness. Experiment with water. Any way you approach it, this is no grain for beginners. 197 bottles produced. 58.6% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Collectable.

Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Crème Brulee. Chartreuse. Poached pear. PALATE: Icing sugar. Marzipan. Hint of grape juice. FINISH: Big and sweet finish. Hints of oak and spice.