1997 Infrequent Flyers Dumbarton (Inverleven) Single Cask No.178 22 Year Old Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Also known as 'Inverleven', Dumbarton was built in 1938, just south of the Highland border near Glasgow and for a while was the largest operation of its kind. Classified as a lowlander by Michael Jackson, production was predominantly set aside for the Ballantine's blends. When bottled by Indies, Dumbarton is typically the label for grain whisky. Inverleven the single malt, but it's not a rule. Nowadays stocks are "undeniably rare".

The notable feature of the plant was its American-style stainless steel columns (rather than the traditional Coffey stills). A focus on maize, meant its spirit was rather heavy in character. In 1956 a third Lomond still was added with an attached rectification column designed to produce different styles of spirit. The distillery was decommissioned in 1985, though its column still was salvaged by Bruichladdich to produce its now famous 'Botanist gin'.

Matured for over 22 years in virgin oak, this rich, oily, flavoursome whisky is reported to be reminiscent of an exceptionally old Bourbon - packed with sweet vanilla and bold, woody spice. 202 bottles were released at 55.3% ABV. Obvious collector appeal here with next to nothing allocated.

Notes from the bottler... Colour - Burnished copper. Nose - Sweet and lightly floral, with strong aromas of almonds and marzipan. Taste - Nutty, woody and aldehydic. Walnut whip with grainy undertones. A chunky slice of Battenberg cake. Oak resin, Madagascan vanilla and honeycomb. Finish - Mid-length, creamy, sweet and oily.