Caperdonich 22 Years Old 1991 Cask #78968 (BB&R)

A Caperdonich of a 22 year old chosen by the London merchant Berry Bros and Rudd, distilled in 1991, from cask 78968, bottled at 51.7%. Caperdonich, a lost Speyside distillery in Rothes, fell silent in 2002. It is named, like the burn, from the Gaelic for the secret well.

The spirit was drawn off the tall stills on Caperdonich Burn water, for a soft, fruity, oily make. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the spirit lead. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a drying structure while oxidation builds waxy tropical fruit. Refill oak lets the soft, fruity Caperdonich character lead the way. Its four stills were dispersed, a pair going as far as Belgium and others to Falkirk. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, which is why it suits both bourbon and sherry. Years in oak round the spirit, the pear and cream deepening with age. Closed in 2002 and later demolished, its profile is fixed for good.

Undiluted at 51.7%, it is layered. Tropical fruit, wax and a creamy oat, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Mango, pear and a soft vanilla fill the middle. The finish is long, fruity and waxy. This is a single malt from a silent Speyside distillery.