Caperdonich 20 Years Old 1992 Cask #121125 (BB&R)

The London merchant Berry Bros and Rudd bottled this Caperdonich, a 20 year old, distilled in 1992, from cask 121125, bottled at 46%. Caperdonich was a Speyside malt distillery, its spirit long destined for blends. A pipeline known as the whisky pipe once carried its spirit across the road to Glen Grant.

This was distilled from unpeated malt in tall Glen Grant style stills, giving the soft pear and mint of the house style. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the distillery character to the fore. Into oxidative maturity, slow air ingress builds fruity ethyl esters (pear and pineapple) and a waxiness. Refill oak lets the soft, fruity Caperdonich character lead the way. Maturation in the cool north east kept the spirit fresh across long years. Its four stills were dispersed, a pair going as far as Belgium and others to Falkirk. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. Closed in 2002 and later demolished, its profile is fixed for good.

At an approachable 46% it is soft and balanced. Apple, pear and a soft honey, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Mango, pear and a soft vanilla fill the middle. The close is long, fruit over a gentle oak. This is Caperdonich, the lost twin of Glen Grant.