Caledonian 33 yo (1979/2013), SMWS G3.5, 49.6%

Introduction

The Caledonian 33-year-old is a rare historical treasure from a legendary Edinburgh grain distillery that ceased production in 1988, making this bottling an increasingly scarce window into Scotland’s lost whisky heritage.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Primarily wheat and malted barley, typical of Scottish grain whisky production from the Lowland region
• Distillation process: Produced using continuous Coffey stills as opposed to pot stills, creating a lighter, cleaner spirit characteristic of grain whisky
• Maturation: Aged for 33 years (1979-2013) in a refill ex-bourbon hogshead, allowing for subtle oak influence while preserving the grain character
• Special techniques: Bottled as a single cask expression by the prestigious Scotch Malt Whisky Society under their grain whisky coding system (G3.5)

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Delicate vanilla, polished oak, toffee, buttery shortbread, and subtle tropical fruit notes with hints of coconut and dried banana
• Palate: Creamy texture with notes of vanilla custard, butterscotch, toasted cereal, gentle oak spices, and orange zest with a honeyed sweetness
• Finish: Long and warming with lingering notes of oak tannins, baking spices, and a delicate interplay of sweet grain and wooden complexity

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (15-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Copita or Glencairn glass to concentrate the delicate aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat or with a small drop of still water to open up the complex flavors developed over three decades
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate, vanilla desserts, or enjoyed on its own as an after-dinner contemplative dram

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 49.6% ABV
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Lowlands (Edinburgh)
• Certifications/Awards: SMWS selected cask, representing their exacting standards for exceptional and unique expressions

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This Caledonian 33-year-old represents one of the final opportunities to experience the distinctive character from this historic Edinburgh grain distillery that closed its doors forever in 1988.

With each passing year, bottles from closed distilleries like Caledonian become increasingly difficult to find, making this SMWS bottling a diminishing resource for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Selected and bottled by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, renowned globally for their unparalleled expertise in identifying and bottling only the most exceptional casks worthy of their distinguished label.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Grain whisky of this age and quality has been increasingly embraced by discerning whisky enthusiasts who recognize its sophisticated complexity and historical significance.

Collectors who have committed to preserving spirits from lost distilleries consider Caledonian an essential component in a comprehensive collection of Scotland’s whisky heritage.

The SMWS coding system (G3.5) represents the Society’s rigorous selection process, with each bottle offering a consistent quality guarantee that has earned them global recognition among connoisseurs.

From Caledonian’s Last Casks to You

This exceptional expression offers you the opportunity to experience a piece of whisky history that the passionate team at SMWS have carefully preserved for over three decades.

The approachable character of well-aged grain whisky makes this Caledonian particularly appealing with its smooth, refined profile developed through patient maturation since 1979.

By enjoying this whisky, you join a select community of enthusiasts who appreciate and preserve Scotland’s diverse whisky heritage, ensuring these historical expressions continue to be celebrated.