Caperdonich 21 Years Old 2000 Cask #29489 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage bottled this Caperdonich, a 21 year old, distilled in 2000, from cask 29489, bottled at 55%, one of 263 bottles. Caperdonich was the lesser known twin of Glen Grant, on Station Street in Rothes. It was rarely bottled as a single malt in its lifetime, so most come from independents.

Worked through the distillery's four tall stills, to build a clean, waxy, fruity character. Decades in ex-Bourbon oak drew out vanilla and a waxy depth. In the oxidative middle years oxidation draws out waxy tropical fruit, vanillin and lactones fully expressed. With the distillery gone, the casks that remain are a finite record of its make. Slow oxidation over decades draws the creamy spirit towards a waxy, fruity richness. The oily, waxy texture is a mark of well aged Caperdonich. 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 full 55% it is bold yet fruity. Tropical fruit, wax and a creamy oat, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is waxy, the fruit carried on a creamy body. The finish is long, fruity and waxy. This is a waxy, pear scented Speyside single malt.