XOP Caledonian 44 year Old Single Cask

Caledonian was an unfamiliar distillery until I sampled an absolutely incredible 42-year-old single cask. Unfortunately, I discovered they had ceased operations in 1988. I then acquired this 44-year-old, distilled in April 1976, matured in a refill hogshead (likely ex-bourbon), and bottled in April 2020 at 52.8% ABV, hoping for a similar or superior experience to the 42-year-old. As this is among the oldest whiskies I've had the pleasure of tasting, I'm eager to open it and discover its qualities. The initial aroma presents floral notes of honeysuckle and orange blossom, with a hint of pink Himalayan sea salt, followed by a blend of cereal and fruit, like Apple Jacks cereal, peach ring candy, and lemon macaroons. This is complemented by roasted macadamia nuts and vanilla gelato, then subtle oak spices resembling a whole cinnamon stick, dill, and freshly fallen autumn leaves on a hiking path, with a slight ethanol burn. The taste begins with a waxy honeycomb mouthfeel that coats the palate, starting with floral notes of honeysuckle and orange blossom, plus a pinch of sea salt. Fruit notes of green apple airheads, caramelized peaches over vanilla custard, and lemon gum drop candy follow, then macadamia nut butter. A mild tannic spice mixes with dill fronds and freshly brewed black tea, slowly fading to the scent of an antique leather armchair, with a light ethanol burn. The finish is lengthy, featuring honeysuckle, orange blossom, roasted macadamia nut butter, vanilla madeleine cookie, honeycomb, mandarin orange slices, caramelized peaches, and antique leather armchair, persisting for several minutes. This is a delightful whisky that has aged commendably over its 44 years in the cask. It opens with an aromatic blend of florals, toasted cereal, candied citrus, nuts, and mild oak, which carries onto the palate. However, there's a very slight bitterness mid-palate before it resolves into the long finish, echoing the pleasant aromas from the nose and lingering for minutes. I had hoped this might match or surpass my previous experience with an independent bottled single cask Caledonian. However, that initial single cask offering seemed to possess superior flavor balance, flowing effortlessly without any bitterness, unlike this one. Regrettably, this will likely be my final purchase of a Caledonian whisky, though it remains an enjoyable drink to share with friends and discuss tasting a closed distillery.