Port Dundas 13 Year Old 2004 Old Particular

Note - I'm participating in the Really Good Whisky Company Advent Calendar. I've also opted to pour these whiskeys "blind" (as much as possible), then provide notes on the nose, palate, and finish. I'll then check the label, proof, cask type, etc., before writing my other observations. I'll make some educated guesses regarding aspects like proof and cask type to see how close I get. Cheers! Nose: Angel food cake with vanilla whipped cream and apricots. Strawberry and blueberry. Bananas. Just a hint of oak, but minimal. Fruitcake soaked in alcohol with metallic vanilla frosting. Not much toasted malt grain character detected - could this be grain whisky? Or is it heavily influenced by it? If the oak is low, this bite is ethanol. Around 50% abv. It has some Lowland characteristics, perhaps? Likely ex-bourbon given the absence of unusual cask notes. Palate: Bananas, white pepper. Creamy texture. Vanilla, white sugar. Still not much oak. Possibly 10-12 years old? Sweet orange. Pine. Coconut, mint. A subtle hint of cocoa. It strikes the back of the throat forcefully, with abundant character. Very tingly, with a lot of high notes. Medium-light mouthfeel. Finish: Starts robustly, followed by floral notes, more vanilla, and bananas. A subtle thread of berries and cream. Slowly fades on vanilla, berries, and... there's the oak. Not strong, but definitely present. Medium length. Other notes: My palate is quite impaired today; I wouldn't normally review under these conditions, but the advent calendar must go on! That being said, it's 13 years old (close), 48.4% abv (somewhat close), Lowland (correct) and single grain (correct). I'm surprised I was nearly that accurate. This is certainly something different and a welcome change from the previous offerings in this advent calendar. Single grains provide unique and interesting experiences, and I'm pleased to have encountered one during this process. While it might not be something I'd actively seek out for myself, I can readily recommend it if you're looking for something a bit distinctive. Cheers!

Not my favorite. I'm detecting nail polish on the nose. The mouthfeel is rather thin for its age, and it doesn't stay on the palate for long. Quite disappointing, though more sweetness does appear after a few sips.