Inverleven is a ghost distillery that was built in 1938 as part of the vast Dumbarton grain distilling complex on the banks of the River Leven in the Scottish Lowlands. It was established by the Canadian company Hiram Walker & Sons, following their acquisition of George Ballantine & Sons in 1936. Nestled within an industrial complex rather than a traditional distillery setting, Inverleven had an unusual existence from the very start. The distillery produced Lowland single malt whisky and was notably equipped with both traditional pot stills and a Lomond still, giving it a degree of versatility rare for its era. Inverleven's spirit was primarily destined for blending purposes, most notably for the Ballantine's range. The malt distillery section closed in 1991, while the remainder of the Dumbarton complex continued operating until 2002–2003. As a ghost distillery, Inverleven expressions are now exceptionally rare and highly sought after by collectors. All currently available bottlings come from independent bottlers such as Gordon & MacPhail, who have released notable expressions from casks filled in the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s. These whisky's are prized for their distinctive Lowland character, often described as light, grassy and reminiscent of bourbon — a true rarity from a chapter of Scottish whisky history that is firmly closed.