Caperdonich 19 Years Old 1992 Cask #46238 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage selected this Caperdonich, a 19 year old, distilled in 1992, from cask 46238, bottled at 57.3%, one of 273 bottles. Caperdonich was the quiet sister of Glen Grant, a Rothes distillery now demolished. Its four stills were dispersed, a pair going as far as Belgium and others to Falkirk.

It was distilled in tall stills with their spherical condensation zone, for a soft, fruity, oily make. 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. A slow maturation suits the delicate, creamy make, the fruit turning tropical with time. A pipeline known as the whisky pipe once carried its spirit across the road to Glen Grant. Water came from the Caperdonich Burn, the so called secret well above Rothes. No more will ever be made, the distillery silent since 2002.

At a natural 57.3% it is full and oily. Apple, pear and a soft honey, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is creamy and fruity, the soft spirit shining through. The finish runs waxy, fruity and soft. This is the soft, fruity ghost of Glen Grant's sister.