Caperdonich 23 Years Old Darkness (MoM)

A 23 year old Caperdonich, from the retailer Master of Malt, bottled at 54%. Caperdonich was the quiet sister of Glen Grant, a Rothes distillery now demolished. Its character was close to Glen Grant but its own, less green apple, more cream, pear and mint.

This was run through the distillery's tall copper stills, building the fruity Caperdonich style. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. Oxidative, evaporative ageing turns the malt rich and waxy, ethereal esters and a faint sotolon (maple). Refill oak lets the soft, fruity Caperdonich character lead the way. The cool Speyside air gave a slow, even maturation in the Rothes warehouses. Chivas released a Secret Speyside range of official Caperdonich in 2019, aged eighteen to thirty years. A pipeline known as the whisky pipe once carried its spirit across the road to Glen Grant. Closed in 2002 and later demolished, its profile is fixed for good.

At cask strength 54% it is full bodied. Soft pear, cream and a waxy oil, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A tropical fruit and a gentle oak give it depth. It finishes creamy, fruity and waxy. This is a waxy, pear scented Speyside single malt.