Caperdonich Secret Speyside Vintage Edition 26 Years Old 1997

This official Caperdonich, a 26 year old, from 1997, at 51%, 2898 bottles in all. Caperdonich is a closed Speyside distillery, its stock now finite and dwindling. Chivas released a Secret Speyside range of official Caperdonich in 2019, aged eighteen to thirty years.

This was drawn off the tall stills on Caperdonich Burn water, for a delicate Speyside spirit with a creamy lift. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the spirit. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a drying structure while oxidation builds waxy tropical fruit. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the fruity, waxy core over the decades. The light Speyside make gains most of its depth from decades in good oak. Its character was close to Glen Grant but its own, less green apple, more cream, pear and mint. It was extended to four stills in 1967, run by only a couple of workers. With Caperdonich demolished, every bottle draws on a finite, dwindling stock.

Bottled at a cask strength 51%, it is rich. Apple, pear and a soft honey, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Soft pear and a waxy cream sit behind the cask. The finish runs waxy, fruity and soft. This is a rare Speyside single malt from a demolished distillery.