Signatory Vintage 1976 Caledonian 50 Year Old Single Grain Scotch Whisky

Signatory Vintage 1976 Caledonian 50 Year Old Single Grain Scotch Whisky is an extraordinary piece of Scottish whisky history, distilled on 10 April 1976 and bottled on 14 July 2026 after an astonishing five decades of maturation. Released as part of Signatory Vintage’s prestigious Cask Strength Collection to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Kirsch Import, this remarkable single cask originates from the long-closed Caledonian Distillery in Edinburgh. Matured for half a century in Hogshead #900005, the whisky has developed exceptional depth and elegance while retaining an impressive natural cask strength of 52.6% ABV. With an extraordinarily limited outturn of just 213 bottles worldwide, this is a rare opportunity to experience single grain whisky from a distillery that ceased production almost four decades ago. Rich vanilla, golden caramel, delicate beeswax and beautifully integrated oak define this remarkable expression, offering a sophisticated glimpse into a bygone era of Scottish whisky production.

Distillery: Caledonian Distillery (Closed)
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Series: Cask Strength Collection
Edition: 50th Anniversary Kirsch Import
Vintage: 1976
Age: 50 Years Old
ABV: 52.6%
Cask Type: Hogshead
Cask Number: 900005
Outturn: 213 Bottles

Founded in 1988 by Andrew Symington, Signatory Vintage has established itself as one of Scotland’s most respected independent bottlers, renowned for preserving exceptional individual casks and releasing them with minimal intervention. This remarkable 1976 Caledonian was selected to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kirsch Import, the renowned German whisky importer established in the same year that this spirit was distilled. Caledonian Distillery itself was founded in Edinburgh in 1855 and became one of Scotland’s most significant grain whisky producers, supplying spirit for blended Scotch whisky throughout much of its operational history. The distillery closed permanently in 1988, making surviving stocks increasingly rare and historically significant. Unlike single malt whisky, single grain Scotch can be produced using a combination of cereals and is typically distilled in continuous stills, creating a lighter spirit that can develop remarkable richness and complexity through extended oak maturation. After 50 years in a single hogshead, this exceptional Caledonian demonstrates the extraordinary ageing potential of traditional Scottish grain whisky, combining refined sweetness, waxy complexity and beautifully developed oak character.

Tasting Notes:

The aroma is wonderfully mature and elegant, opening with generous notes of golden caramel and creamy vanilla, accompanied by delicate beeswax and a subtle sweetness reminiscent of aged honey. Gentle cereal aromas emerge beneath the richer elements, while beautifully integrated oak adds depth and sophistication to the bouquet. The palate is exceptionally smooth and full-bodied, revealing layers of buttery toffee, vanilla cream and sweet baked grains, all supported by the remarkable richness developed through five decades of maturation. Seasoned oak introduces a refined woody character, bringing structure and balance without overwhelming the whisky's delicate sweetness. Subtle herbal nuances and hints of mature wood gradually emerge, adding further complexity to the beautifully rounded texture. The finish is exceptionally long, elegant and increasingly dry, with lingering oak, soft vanilla and gentle herbal notes slowly fading into a delicate sweetness. A wonderfully composed and sophisticated expression that demonstrates just how remarkable a 50-year-old single grain Scotch whisky can become.