Claxton's Exploration Port Dundas 22 Years Bourbon Barrel

Claxton's Exploration Port Dundas 22 Years Bourbon Barrel 50% (2026)
Color
Bright gold with a warm straw-yellow sheen.

Nose
Elegant and inviting with creamy vanilla, soft caramel, and butterscotch. This is followed by notes of honey, ripe yellow apple, peach, and a hint of coconut. Fine oak spices and a subtle hint of white pepper give the whisky extra depth without overpowering its refined character.

Taste
Full and silky smooth, exactly as befits a well-matured single grain. Sweet vanilla custard, crème brûlée, and toffee form the base, complemented by light citrus, ripe pear, and a touch of biscuit. The bourbon maturation creates a beautiful balance between creamy sweetness and refined wood influences, while the 50% alcohol provides pleasant strength and liveliness.

Finish
Long, soft, and warming. Vanilla, caramel, and light oak spices linger for a long time, supported by a subtle pepperiness and a creamy, almost buttery sweetness.

Conclusion
This 22-year-old Port Dundas from the Claxton's Exploration Series demonstrates why old single grain whisky continues to win over more and more enthusiasts. The closed distillery produces a style that is elegant, creamy, and surprisingly complex. Maturation in a bourbon barrel emphasizes the classic notes of vanilla, caramel, and soft oak, while the 50% alcohol content lends the whole extra depth and tension. A refined, accessible, and now rare bottling for lovers of old grain whiskies.