Opulence Port Dundas 21 Years Single Grain Scotch (Raising Glasses)

Review #083 Type: single grain scotch whisky Proof: 55.7% Comments: aged 21 years, finished in an Oloroso quarter cask for 6 months Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Mahogany color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, it starts to beed up quickly, but legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Delicate, sweet, and fruity. It’s subtle but also warming, reminding me of freshly baked bread and jam. And there’s a creamy buttery scent layered in along with some coconut and cinnamon. Palate: 33/40 Thick, syrupy, almost chewy texture. Comes in very hot on the first sip, but by the second it starts to reveal raisins, figs, stewed apples, vanilla, a little nutmeg, and some mango. Finish: 32/40 Medium finish, but it packs in a roller coaster of flavors. Starts off zesty and spicy with lemon peel and chili peppers, becoming milder with mixed nuts and a hint of orange citrus. Gradually it becomes creamier and ends on a semi-dry note with vanilla being the ending flavor on my tongue. With Water: A couple drops of water did not yield any discernible differences. Total: 81/100 Final thoughts: When I try a sample from a shuttered distillery, it’s always with mixed emotions. Port Dundas closed in 2011 I believe, so there’s a little less of its product available after I enjoyed this sample. Truthfully I haven’t tried a lot of single grains previously, and those I did were generally underwhelming. This one moves the needle though, it’s the first of these that I’ve really enjoyed. Also at a retail price of just a little over $100 it’s a great value, and worth buying. Thanks to my brother @Mark-Watson2 for the sample. Price: gifted sample Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.