WhiskyIntelligence.com » Blog Archive » The Whisky Barrel ‘Dumbarton 25 Years Unicorn Whisky’ 🦄 – Scotch Whisky News - whisky industry press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes, bottlings and comments.

The Whisky Barrel ‘Dumbarton 25 Years Unicorn Whisky’ 🦄 – Scotch Whisky News

February 19th, 2026

Dumbarton
25 Years, Unicorn

The Whisky Barrel Launches Fifth Unicorn Series Release

Limited to 264 bottles · £79 GBP inc VAT | Available now HERE

25 Year Old Dumbarton Single Grain Celebrates the Legendary “Scotch Watch” Geese

The Whisky Barrel is proud to announce the launch of the fifth release in its acclaimed Unicorn Series: a rare Dumbarton 25 Year Old 2000, matured in a single first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead and bottled at natural cask strength.

Distilled in 2000 at the now-closed Dumbarton distillery, this Lowland single grain Scotch whisky has spent 25 years maturing in first-fill PX sherry hogshead #TWB1040, developing remarkable depth and richness. Bottled in February 2026 at a powerful 56.6% ABV, the cask yielded just 264 bottles, available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel.

Dumbarton distillery, once owned by Ballantine’s, closed in 2002 and has since become increasingly sought after by collectors of lost Scotch whisky distilleries. Known for its creamy, vanilla-forward grain character, Dumbarton’s spirit lends itself beautifully to long sherry maturation — a style exemplified in this indulgent release.

A Tribute to the “Scotch Watch”

The Unicorn Series is renowned for pairing distinctive whisky with striking storytelling, and this release is no exception. The label pays homage to Dumbarton’s legendary Chinese white geese — affectionately known as the “Scotch Watch.”

From 1959 until 2012, these geese were employed to guard Ballantine’s bonded warehouses, forming a noisy and highly effective security force that grew to over 100 birds. Their iconic presence became part of Scotch whisky folklore before their retirement to Glasgow Green. The Unicorn label brings this unique chapter of whisky history together with Scotland’s mythical national emblem.

Tasting Profile

The 25 Year Old Dumbarton delivers waves of raisin syrup, dark chocolate and treacle on the nose, leading into a full-bodied palate of PX-soaked fruitcake, caramelised sugar and creamy vanilla. The finish is long, warming and luxuriously sherried, balanced by soft oak spice.

Limited Availability

With only 264 bottles produced, this is a rare opportunity to secure a cask-strength release from a closed Lowland distillery, presented under The Whisky Barrel’s celebrated Unicorn banner.

“Dumbarton is a distillery that quietly built a remarkable reputation after its closure. When we discovered this PX hogshead, it had the depth, richness and personality we look for in a Unicorn release. Pairing that whisky with the story of the Scotch Watch felt entirely fitting — it’s a tribute not just to the spirit, but to the character and history surrounding it” Alastair Brown, Managing Director, The Whisky Barrel