Caperdonich 18 Years Old Cask #Batch CP/001

This official Caperdonich, an 18 year old, cask Batch CP/001, at 48%. Caperdonich, a ghost of Speyside, was demolished in 2011 to make way for a coppersmith's works. A few warehouses still stand, but the stillhouse and kiln are long gone.

Distilled in tall stills with their spherical condensation zone, for a delicate Speyside spirit with a creamy lift. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a soft vanilla beneath the fruit. At oxidative maturity ellagitannin tannins lend a polished frame to the oily, fruit rich malt. Long ageing turns the fresh pear towards mango, beeswax and a polished oak. A slow maturation suits the delicate, creamy make, the fruit turning tropical with time. Caperdonich leaned to cream, pear and mint where Glen Grant showed green apple. Water came from the Caperdonich Burn, the so called secret well above Rothes. Closed in 2002 and later demolished, its profile is fixed for good.

At 48%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. Cream, orchard fruit and a gentle spice, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is waxy, the fruit carried on a creamy body. A long, fruity finish carries a tropical lift. This is a rare Speyside single malt from a demolished distillery.