Caperdonich 20 Years Old 2000 Cask #VMT29511 (Valinch & Mallet)

A Caperdonich drawn by the bottler Valinch & Mallet, distilled in 2000, from cask VMT29511, bottled at 54.1%, one of 315 bottles. Caperdonich was the lesser known twin of Glen Grant, on Station Street in Rothes. It closed in 1902 after the Pattison crash, lying silent for over sixty years.

Made in tall copper stills for a light, fruity spirit, to build a clean, waxy, fruity character. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the spirit. 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. Its character was close to Glen Grant but its own, less green apple, more cream, pear and mint. Its spirit went largely into blends such as Chivas Regal and Royal Salute. Water came from the Caperdonich Burn, the so called secret well above Rothes. Closed in 2002 and later demolished, its profile is fixed for good.

At a natural 54.1% it is full and oily. Apple, pear and a soft honey, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A tropical fruit and a gentle oak give it depth. The close is long, fruit over a gentle oak. This is a waxy, pear scented Speyside single malt.