1980 Gordon & Macphail Private Collection Caledonian 39 Year Old Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Another Lowland limited edition from a long closed distillery. Distilled in 1980 (likely from majority corn) followed by maturation in a single refill American oak hogshead (#92569) and bottled with zero filtration at natural strength, 111 hand-filled bottles are available worldwide. Beautifully presented and obviously collectable. 55.4% Alc./Vol.

Founded in Edinburgh 1855 and closed in 1988, 'The Cally' (as the locals called it) made its debut as part of Diageo's Special Releases in 2015. That bottling would now be selling for well over AU$1500, so this G&M bottling lands at a very reasonable price.

Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Sweet pineapple and baked apple aromas are complemented by hints of beeswax polish. Soft cane sugar comes to the fore alongside white chocolate and vanilla pod. Taste: Soft black pepper and cocoa powder flavours lead to sweet, dried mango. Subtle notes of candied lime and mouth-warming ginger transform into fresh banana bread. Finish: Long lasting and vibrant with lingering fruit and soft pepper on the finish.