Caperdonich 27 Years Old 1968 (Connoisseurs Choice)

A Caperdonich drawn by the Elgin house Gordon and MacPhail, distilled in 1968, bottled at 40%. Caperdonich was a Speyside malt distillery, its spirit long destined for blends. Its spirit went largely into blends such as Chivas Regal and Royal Salute.

The spirit was distilled from unpeated malt in tall Glen Grant style stills, for a delicate Speyside spirit with a creamy lift. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the distillery character to the fore. In these late years the spirit concentrates to a waxy, tropical depth held in an ellagitannin frame. The cool Speyside air gave a slow, even maturation in the Rothes warehouses. Ethyl esters built over the years lend the pear and tropical fruit of old Caperdonich. Refill oak lets the soft, fruity Caperdonich character lead the way. Maturation in the cool north east kept the spirit fresh across long years. With Caperdonich demolished, every bottle draws on a finite, dwindling stock.

At 40% it is gentle, creamy and fruity. Tropical fruit, wax and a creamy oat, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is creamy and fruity, the soft spirit shining through. The finish is deep, waxy and tropical. This is Caperdonich, the lost twin of Glen Grant.