Caperdonich 26 Years Old 1994 (SMWS 38.31)

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottled this Caperdonich, a 26 year old, distilled in 1994, from cask 38.31, bottled at 53.9%, one of 270 bottles. Caperdonich stood opposite Glen Grant in Rothes, built to share in its sister's success. A pipeline known as the whisky pipe once carried its spirit across the road to Glen Grant.

The spirit was made in tall copper stills for a light, fruity spirit, building the fruity Caperdonich style. First fill bourbon gave it a fuller vanilla and a touch of coconut. In these late years the spirit concentrates to a waxy, tropical depth held in an ellagitannin frame. Slow oxidation over decades draws the creamy spirit towards a waxy, fruity richness. Its four stills were dispersed, a pair going as far as Belgium and others to Falkirk. It was rarely bottled as a single malt in its lifetime, so most come from independents. Closed in 2002 and later demolished, its profile is fixed for good.

At 53.9%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. Pear, vanilla and a green mint lift, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run pear, cream and a soft mint. A long, creamy finish ends on pear and vanilla. This is a rare Speyside single malt from a demolished distillery.