Caperdonich 21 Years Old 1992 Cask #121124 (A.D. Rattray)

A 21 year old Caperdonich, this distilled in 1992 from A.D. Rattray, from cask 121124, bottled at 59.5%, one of 240 bottles. Caperdonich made a light, fruity Speyside malt at Rothes until its closure in 2002. A pipeline known as the whisky pipe once carried its spirit across the road to Glen Grant.

This was distilled in tall stills with their spherical condensation zone, for a delicate Speyside spirit with a creamy lift. An American oak cask shaped it, soft and creamy beneath the fruit. At oxidative maturity ellagitannin tannins lend a polished frame to the oily, fruit rich malt. Active wood frames the fruit without smothering the soft, creamy spirit. Its spirit went largely into blends such as Chivas Regal and Royal Salute. Slow oxidation over decades draws the creamy spirit towards a waxy, fruity richness. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. With Caperdonich demolished, every bottle draws on a finite, dwindling stock.

At a full 59.5% it is bold yet fruity. Tropical fruit, wax and a creamy oat, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Mango, pear and a soft vanilla fill the middle. It finishes creamy, fruity and waxy. This is Caperdonich, the lost twin of Glen Grant.