Caperdonich 17 Years Old 1994 Cask #96520 + 96524 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage bottled this Caperdonich, a 17 year old, distilled in 1994, from cask 96520 + 96524, bottled at 46%, one of 776 bottles. Caperdonich was a Speyside malt distillery, its spirit long destined for blends. Its spirit went largely into blends such as Chivas Regal and Royal Salute.

This was made in tall copper stills for a light, fruity spirit, building the fruity Caperdonich style. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light vanilla. At oxidative maturity aldehydes and esters lend tropical fruit while ellagitannins add a drying, structured grip. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the fruity, waxy core over the decades. Seagram bought it in 1977, and Pernod Ricard closed it in 2002. The cool Speyside air gave a slow, even maturation in the Rothes warehouses. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, which is why it suits both bourbon and sherry. No more will ever be made, the distillery silent since 2002.

At 46% it is supple and waxy. Apple, pear and a soft honey, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run pear, cream and a soft mint. The close is long, fruit over a gentle oak. This is a single malt from a silent Speyside distillery.