Caperdonich 27 Years Old 1997 Special Edition (Liquid Treasures)

From the bottler Liquid Treasures, a 27 year old Caperdonich, distilled in 1997, bottled at 52.7%, one of 163 bottles. Caperdonich was a Speyside malt distillery, its spirit long destined for blends. Water came from the Caperdonich Burn, the so called secret well above Rothes.

This was run through the distillery's tall copper stills, giving the soft pear and mint of the house style. 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. The light Speyside make gains most of its depth from decades in good oak. Its spirit went largely into blends such as Chivas Regal and Royal Salute. It closed in 1902 after the Pattison crash, lying silent for over sixty years. Caperdonich leaned to cream, pear and mint where Glen Grant showed green apple. With Caperdonich demolished, every bottle draws on a finite, dwindling stock.

At 52.7%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. Soft pear, cream and a waxy oil, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A tropical fruit and a gentle oak give it depth. A long, fruity finish carries a tropical lift. This is the soft, fruity ghost of Glen Grant's sister.