Product description
Fred Laing's XOP series debuted in 2014, a dozen or so months after the division of Douglas Laing & Co.'s assets between the two Laing brothers.
XOP stands for Xtra Old Particular and refers to the finest single malt and single grain casks from the family’s stockpile. The Dumbarton Single Grain 55 years old presented here is one of the jewels of the XOP collection. Distilled in December 1964, the whisky spent over half a century in a refill hogshead (DL 13767). Bottled in January 2020 at cask strength (44.6% abv) and without chill filtration in an edition limited to 215 bottles. Built in 1938 by Hiram Walker & Sons, the Dumbarton Distillery produced grain spirits for Ballantine’s blends. It ceased operations in 2002 and three years later new owner Pernod Ricard approved the demolition of the buildings. (Producer’s note.)
Aroma : at first, our noses are caressed by the intense scent of Scottish honey and maple syrup, followed by candied apples and polished oak.
Taste : mild, yet filled with rich notes of nutmeg and ginger balanced by milk chocolate.
Finish: long, with notes of stewed pears, pistachios, toast with marmalade and crème brûlée.