Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1992 (SMWS 38.40)

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society selected this Caperdonich, a 30 year old, distilled in 1992, from cask 38.40, bottled at 50.3%, one of 250 bottles. Caperdonich was a Speyside malt distillery, its spirit long destined for blends. It reopened in 1965 to feed Glen Grant's booming Italian trade, and took the Caperdonich name in 1977.

It was drawn off the tall stills on Caperdonich Burn water, for the light, creamy, fruity make Caperdonich is known for. An American oak cask shaped it, soft and creamy beneath the fruit. At an ethereal, fragile age the spirit turns delicate, sotolon lending maple and old oak as beeswax lingers. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. Years in oak round the spirit, the pear and cream deepening with age. The tall, Glen Grant style stills give a light spirit that ages with grace. No more will ever be made, the distillery silent since 2002.

Bottled at a cask strength 50.3%, it is rich. Pear, vanilla and a green mint lift, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run pear, cream and a soft mint. The finish runs waxy, fruity and soft. This is a creamy, tropical Speyside single malt of real age.