Dumbarton

Translation: Fort / Castle of the British (place name)
Region: Lowlands

Where once the Scotch Watch chattered.

The Single Grain Whiskey by Dumbarton is worthy of all honors. The distillery has become especially famous for a rather unusual protective measure. To secure the company premises in 1959, a steadily growing gang of goslings was purchased as a guards. This was called "The Scotch Watch". The geese police were able to successfully protect the distillery from intruders. Unfortunately not before closing in 2002.

A little history

Already in 1817 there was for a short time a small distillery called Dumbarton in the Lowlands. However, the Dumbarton distillery in the eponymous village was not founded until 1938 to supply Grain Whiskey for the successful blends of owner Hiram Walker & Sons. The rather large, industrial-like complex stood on the grounds of the McMillian shipyard. From 1938 to 1991 was also the Malt distillery Inverleven. Dumbarton had in his wedding an annual production of about 100 million liters, making it in the meantime the largest distillery in Scotland.
In 1959, six geese (one Ganter and five female animals) were created as 'plant protection'. By 2001, this watchdog had grown to around a hundred birds.
In 2002, the building's condition, which had never been renovated, became unsustainable. Because the necessary renovation was too costly for the owner Allied Distillers, instead the Strathclyde Distillery was expanded and the production of Dumbarton shifted there.
The Dumbarton distillery was mothballed in 2002, demolished in 2005.

What do I actually have in the glass?

As is typical for Grain Whiskey, the Dumbarton Single Grain also has vanilla notes. In addition, however, come here, especially in the older bottlings, exciting hints of spices, ripe fruit and butter cream added. Very complex and with an unusually long finish.

3 reasons to love Dumbarton

1) Because the thing with the geese has charm.
2) Because Single Grain is much more exciting than its reputation.
3) Because it is a pity for any distillery that no longer exists.

The one drama for the lonely island

Douglas Laing has bottled some excellent Dumbarton Single Grains from the 60s (!) In his Clan Denny Edition - at a surprisingly low price for his age. Clear tasting tip!

numbers and facts

Address: (former) 2 Glasgow Road, Dumbarton G82 1ND
Founded in 1938 by Hiram Walker & Sons
Status: demolished
Owner: (last) Pernod Ricard
Capacity: (last) approx. 30,000,000 liters
1 Coffey still
Water: (former) Loch Lomond
Visitor Center: -
Telephone: -
Website: -