Caperdonich Batch 6 (TBWC)

This Caperdonich was bottled by the bottler That Boutique-y Whisky Company, a 23 year old, bottled at 47.8%, one of 316 bottles. Caperdonich was a Speyside distillery in Rothes, closed in 2002 and since demolished. Its spirit went largely into blends such as Chivas Regal and Royal Salute.

The spirit was worked through the distillery's four tall stills, building the fruity Caperdonich style. Decades in ex-Bourbon oak drew out vanilla and a waxy depth. In these late years the spirit concentrates to a waxy, tropical depth held in an ellagitannin frame. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. Seagram bought it in 1977, and Pernod Ricard closed it in 2002. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, which is why it suits both bourbon and sherry. The light, creamy spirit takes cask flavour readily while keeping its pear and mint. No more will ever be made, the distillery silent since 2002.

At its natural 47.8% it is concentrated. Soft pear, cream and a waxy oil, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is waxy, the fruit carried on a creamy body. The close is long, fruit over a gentle oak. This is a finite single malt from the lost Caperdonich distillery.