Port Dundas distillery

Introducing Port Dundas

A distillery with a storied industrial heritage

Port Dundas was a historic grain whisky distillery located in Glasgow, Scotland, once standing tall as one of the largest and most significant grain whisky producers in the country. This industrial giant played a crucial role in the Scotch whisky industry for nearly two centuries, providing the backbone for many of Scotland’s most beloved blended whiskies.

Situated on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal in north Glasgow, the distillery’s towering brick chimneys were once a defining feature of the city’s skyline, symbolizing Scotland’s industrial prowess and whisky heritage.

Why we have a special appreciation for Port Dundas

At Vault of Spirits, we cherish distilleries that have left an indelible mark on whisky history, and Port Dundas certainly fits this description. Though now silent, the legacy of Port Dundas lives on through independent bottlings that showcase the exceptional quality of its grain whisky.

What makes Port Dundas special is its remarkable ability to develop extraordinary complexity with age, transforming from a light, clean spirit into a rich, honeyed nectar with extended maturation. These rare aged expressions offer a glimpse into a lost piece of Scotland’s whisky heritage that we’re passionate about preserving and sharing.

The History of Port Dundas

Origins and development

Port Dundas was established in 1811 at a time when Glasgow was emerging as a major industrial center. Named after Sir Lawrence Dundas, who was instrumental in the development of the Forth and Clyde Canal, the distillery capitalized on its strategic location for both receiving raw materials and distributing its finished products.

By the mid-19th century, Port Dundas had expanded significantly, becoming one of the largest distilleries in Scotland. In 1877, it merged with another local distillery, and by 1885, it had become part of the Distillers Company Limited (DCL), a predecessor to Diageo.

The distillery survived two devastating fires, including a major one in 1903, but was rebuilt each time, demonstrating its importance to the Scottish whisky industry.

The people behind the legacy

Throughout its long history, Port Dundas was home to generations of skilled distillers who perfected the art of grain whisky production. The distillery was known for its commitment to quality and consistency, values that were upheld by the dedicated workforce who operated its massive column stills and watched over the maturation of its spirit.

Though the corporate ownership changed over the years, the spirit of innovation and excellence remained a constant at Port Dundas, contributing to its reputation as a producer of exceptional grain whisky.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Port Dundas primarily used maize (corn) and wheat in its mash bill, though in its earlier days, it would have used whatever grains were economically viable. The distillery employed the continuous distillation method using Coffey stills, which allowed for efficient, large-scale production of grain whisky.

At its peak, Port Dundas housed some of the largest column stills in Scotland, capable of producing millions of liters of spirit annually. This high-volume production was essential for meeting the demands of the blended Scotch whisky industry, where Port Dundas grain whisky served as a crucial component.

Maturation and aging

The new make spirit from Port Dundas was typically matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, which imparted vanilla, caramel, and coconut notes to the maturing whisky. The distillery maintained extensive warehousing facilities where casks could age for decades.

What makes aged Port Dundas truly special is the transformation that occurs with extended maturation. After 20+ years, the initially light and crisp grain whisky develops remarkable depth, with rich honey, toffee, and tropical fruit notes emerging alongside a silky, luxurious mouthfeel that rivals many single malts.

Selected Products from Port Dundas

Independent Bottlings – Windows into whisky history

Since the distillery’s closure, the only way to experience Port Dundas whisky is through independent bottlers who acquired casks before production ceased. These bottlings typically feature aged expressions, often 20 years or older, which showcase the exceptional quality that Port Dundas grain whisky can achieve with proper maturation.

Notes of vanilla custard, butterscotch, tropical fruits, and polished oak are common in these aged expressions, delivered with a smoothness that belies their often high proof points.

Rare Single Grain Releases – For the connoisseur

The most sought-after Port Dundas releases are those from the 1970s and 1980s, which have now matured for 30-40+ years. These ultra-aged expressions offer extraordinary complexity with notes of antique furniture, beeswax, overripe tropical fruits, and dark honey. The mouthfeel becomes almost viscous with age, creating a truly luxurious drinking experience for those fortunate enough to experience these rare bottlings.

Visiting the Distillery

A silent chapter in whisky history

Unfortunately, Port Dundas was closed in 2010 as part of Diageo’s consolidation of its grain whisky production, and the site has since been demolished. The towering chimneys that once defined Glasgow’s skyline are now gone, marking the end of nearly 200 years of whisky-making history.

While you can no longer visit the physical distillery, its legacy lives on in the aged stocks that occasionally appear on the market and in the memories of Glasgow residents who recall the distinctive smell of production that once wafted through the northern part of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Port Dundas?

Port Dundas was one of Scotland’s largest and most historic grain whisky distilleries, operating in Glasgow from 1811 until its closure in 2010. It specialized in producing high-quality grain whisky primarily used in blended Scotch but also capable of magnificent development as an aged single grain.

Where was Port Dundas located?

The distillery was located in the Port Dundas area of north Glasgow, Scotland, on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal. Its strategic location provided excellent transportation links for receiving raw materials and shipping finished products throughout the UK and beyond.

What characterized Port Dundas whisky?

Port Dundas was known for producing a clean, versatile grain whisky that served as an excellent base for blends. However, with extended aging, it developed a distinctive character marked by rich honey notes, tropical fruits, vanilla, and a remarkably silky texture. This transformation with age is what makes mature Port Dundas expressions so sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs.

Where can I buy whisky from Port Dundas?

Since Port Dundas is no longer operational, bottles are only available through independent bottlers who acquired casks before the distillery’s closure. At Vault of Spirits, we occasionally offer specially selected Port Dundas bottlings, giving you the opportunity to experience this piece of whisky history. Check our current inventory or contact us about upcoming releases from this legendary lost distillery.