Port Dundas 1998 – 26 Year Old – Mission Gold – Murray McDavid

The Port Dundas 1998 – 26 Year Old – Mission Gold – Murray McDavid is a distinguished and rare expression of Single Grain Scotch Whisky that celebrates the heritage of one of Scotland’s most iconic grain distilleries. Bottled in 2024 by the renowned independent bottler Murray McDavid under its Mission Gold series, this limited‑edition whisky exemplifies the remarkable evolution that grain spirit can achieve through patient maturation and careful cask selection. It reflects the legacy of Port Dundas Distillery, a historic Lowlands producer that closed its doors in 2010 but continues to live on through collectible bottlings like this.

At its core, this whisky is a single grain Scotch, distilled in 1998 at Port Dundas, a distillery long celebrated for producing smooth, creamy grain whisky integral to many classic Scotch blends. Over the decades, the spirit matured in an Oloroso sherry hogshead (cask #2410052), which has imparted depth, richness and complexity to the once‑light grain character. After 26 years of unconscious ageing, this exceptional whisky was bottled at 49.4 % ABV, retaining natural colour and non‑chill‑filtered texture, preserving its aromatic oils and flavour integrity.

The Mission Gold designation marks it as part of Murray McDavid’s higher‑tier releases, combining rarity with focused cask excellence. Limited to approximately 243 bottles worldwide, this whisky appeals to serious collectors and Scotch connoisseurs alike. Its provenance — a silent distillery’s legacy — builds trust and invites enthusiasts to explore a taste of a bygone era in grain whisky production.

On the nose, the Port Dundas 1998 delivers a layered and inviting bouquet. First impressions often feature dried citrus peel and orange oils balanced by gingerbread spice and mellow toffee, reflecting the interplay between the sweeter sherry influence and the classic grain profile. These aromas evolve with gentle oxidation, revealing hints of vanilla custard and toasted oak, underscoring the whisky’s long interaction with wood.

The palate is both smooth and expressive, with a creamy texture that rewards slow sipping. Flavours may include fruit cake and baking spice, followed by bursts of candied citrus and honeyed malt, providing warmth and dimension. The grain base keeps the experience soft yet surprisingly structured — a testament to how extended maturation transforms spirit character from simple sweetness to nuanced complexity.

The finish lingers with echoes of creamy caramel, mellow oak spice and lingering sweet cereal, culminating in a satisfying closure that highlights the whisky’s balance between age and elegance. Each sip reinforces the value of time, making this Port Dundas expression ideal for contemplative enjoyment, celebratory toasts or comparative tasting sessions where aged grain whiskies are featured.

This expression is also meaningful for research and reference purposes. Grain whisky — often overshadowed by single malts — reveals its true potential in long‑aged bottlings like this, offering a contrasting profile to malt‑centric Scotch. Whisky educators, critics and collectors frequently cite such expressions as benchmarks when studying the effects of extensive oak influence and grain distillate characteristics.

Beyond its sensory appeal, the Port Dundas 1998 – 26 Year Old – Mission Gold builds trust among whisky lovers through its meticulous craftsmanship and transparency. Bottled at cask strength, uncoloured and non‑chill‑filtered, it preserves the authentic character of the spirit just as it left the cask — unaltered and expressive in its final form. Such attention to detail is characteristic of Murray McDavid’s mission to present historic single casks with minimal interference, encouraging both seasoned and emerging whisky drinkers to savour the spirit in its most natural state.

In short, this limited‑edition Port Dundas whisky not only celebrates a silent distillery’s heritage but also showcases the refined complexity that grain whisky can achieve through time, cask influence and bottler expertise. Whether enjoyed neat during a thoughtful tasting session or proudly displayed as part of a curated collection, it offers a rich, memorable and educational Scotch whisky experience.

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