Whisky Review/Tasting: The Cally 40 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The Cally, a single grain whisky, originates from the Caledonian distillery located in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Type: Single grain whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured for 40 years in refill hogsheads, indicating that the casks had been used previously for maturing other whiskies, which reduces the intensity of the cask's influence on the whisky.
Age Statement: 40 years.
Color and Clarity: Described as warm antique gold with russet lights. The whisky is suggested to be non-colored, adhering to Diageo's typical practice for special releases.
Bottle Design: Features a new label designed to look very old, emphasizing its heritage and uniqueness. The packaging includes a large box showcasing Haymarket station, a significant location near the distillery.

Nose: Vanilla, faint oakiness, sweet fruit juice, fresh fruit, peach, ripe melon, zesty orange peel, vanilla sponge, and a hint of fresh plain oak.
Palate: Fresh acidity, lightly sweet and oily, smooth chocolate and vanilla, spicy warmth, and a slightly bitter pungency. With water, the texture softens, becoming cooling and creamy.
Finish: Long and complex, with dark chocolate and fresh oak wood.
Overall: The whisky presents a light, fruity aroma with a strong, hefty palate that some may find unpleasant. The finish is rewarding, with a shift towards dark chocolate and persistent dryness.

Distillery History: The Caledonian distillery, established in 1855, was once one of the largest in the United Kingdom and was considered the most modern distillery of its time. It ceased production in 1988 during the Great British Recession.
Unique Aspects: This bottling is the first and only distillery bottling of The Cally by Diageo, making it a rare and collectible item. The distillery itself has mostly been demolished, with only the chimney remaining as a potential heritage landmark.

Location: The distillery was situated in Edinburgh's West End, playing a central role in the city's whisky production history.
Historical Impact: The Caledonian distillery was a significant employer and a pioneer in distillery technology during its operational years.

"This is a very pleasant, light, fruity whiskey on the nose and strong, hefty, and for my personal feelings, unpleasant whiskey in my mouth." - Horst Luening
"This bottle will be definitely a collector's item... This is definitely a bottle for the collectors and therefore the price is five times increased." - Horst Luening

The Cally 40 years is a single grain whisky from the now-defunct Caledonian distillery in Edinburgh, aged for 40 years.
It features a warm antique gold color and a flavor profile that includes vanilla, fruit notes, and oakiness, with a complex finish.
The whisky is part of Diageo's special releases and is notable for being the first distillery bottling of The Cally.
The distillery's history and the whisky's packaging highlight its cultural and geographical significance.
Despite its unique characteristics, the reviewer expresses a personal preference for malt whiskies over single grain whiskies, suggesting that The Cally 40 years may be more suited to collectors than to his taste.

Whisky Collectors: Given its rarity, historical significance, and being a unique distillery bottling, The Cally 40 years is highly recommended for collectors.
Single Grain Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a preference for single grain whiskies might appreciate the unique flavor profile and the craftsmanship of a 40-year maturation.
Whisky Investors: Considering its limited release and potential as a collector's item, investors might find The Cally 40 years a valuable addition to their collection.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Individuals with a broad palate and appreciation for the nuances of aged whiskies might enjoy exploring its complex flavor profile.