Caperdonich 20 Years Old 2000 Cask #29488 (LMDW)

A Caperdonich of a 20 year old chosen by the bottler La Maison du Whisky, distilled in 2000, from cask 29488, bottled at 55.8%, one of 251 bottles. Caperdonich was a Speyside distillery in Rothes, closed in 2002 and since demolished. Its character was close to Glen Grant but its own, less green apple, more cream, pear and mint.

This was drawn off the tall stills on Caperdonich Burn water, for a delicate Speyside spirit with a creamy lift. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a soft vanilla beneath the fruit. Oxidative maturity brings a waxy, fruity depth, ethyl esters of tropical fruit building over the pear. The light Speyside make gains most of its depth from decades in good oak. Its four stills were dispersed, a pair going as far as Belgium and others to Falkirk. Years in oak round the spirit, the pear and cream deepening with age. Refill oak lets the soft, fruity Caperdonich character lead the way. Closed in 2002 and later demolished, its profile is fixed for good.

Undiluted at 55.8%, it is layered. Mango, pear and a soft vanilla, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Soft pear and a waxy cream sit behind the cask. Pear, cream and a soft oak see out the finish. This is a creamy, tropical Speyside single malt of real age.