Diageo unveils Port Dundas single grain brand

Diageo has expanded the single grain Scotch whisky category with the launch of a new brand made using age statement liquid from its now silent Port Dundas distillery.

Diageo has launched two single grain age statement Scotch whiskies from its silent Port Dundas distillery

Based in Glasgow, the historic distillery closed in 2010 as Diageo moved the majority of its grain whisky production to Cameronbridge – leading to the loss of around 900 jobs.

While single grain liquid from the site has been used in third party bottlings, such as in Douglas Laing’s Xtra Old Particular range, Diageo’s new range marks the first time a stand-alone Port Dundas brand has been launched.

“Although it closed its doors in 2010, there are select, rare remaining stocks of 12 and 18 year old Scotch whiskies that allow a glimpse into the glorious past of one of Scotland’s most respected and historic distilleries,” said Diageo.

The group has therefore launched two Port Dundas variants – a 12- and 18-year-old.

Port Dundas 12 Year Old (40% abv) is described as an accessible single grain whisky with a “light, sweet grain character” and flavours of oats, vanilla, nuts and chocolate.

Port Dundas 18 Year Old (43% abv) is also said to be an accessible single grain variant with notes of toffee wheaty biscuits and vanilla.

The 12-year-old bottling is priced US$49.99, while its older stablemate carries an RRP of US$99.99. Both are exclusively available from select retailers in the US.

Port Dundas distillery, set beside the Forth and Clyde Canal, was first established in 1810.

Last year, Diageo teamed up with David Beckham to launch single grain brand Haig Club – an NAS Scotch made using grain whisky from Cameronbridge distillery.