Dumbarton 30 Years Old 1987 Cask #20012 (Meadowside Blending)

A 30 year old Dumbarton from Meadowside Blending, distilled in 1987, from cask 20012, bottled at 52.2%, one of 344 bottles. Dumbarton, one of Scotland's great grain distilleries, was demolished after closing in 2002. When it opened it was the largest continuous grain distillery in Scotland, and the first to use stainless steel columns.

It was run off the distillery's continuous column stills, building the smooth Lowland grain style. A bourbon hogshead held it, the long maturation drawing out a buttery coconut. Decades have drawn the grain to a tropical, oily delicacy, crème brûlée, coconut and a faint sotolon. Maturation in American oak suits the light, sweet grain particularly well. Patient ageing gives the oily, waxy texture prized in old single grain. With the distillery demolished, every bottle draws on a finite, dwindling stock. No new spirit will follow it, the stills cold since 2002.

At its natural 52.2% it is concentrated. Oak lactones lend a deep coconut and vanillin a sweet vanilla, with a crème brûlée richness. It is clean and sweet, the old grain shining through. The finish is deep, oily and creamy. This is the dessert sweet grain of silent Dumbarton.