Caperdonich 21 Years Old Cask #Batch CA/002

An official release of Caperdonich, a 21 year old, cask Batch CA/002, at 48%. 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 run through the distillery's tall copper stills, for the light, creamy, fruity make Caperdonich is known for. An American oak cask shaped it, soft and creamy beneath the fruit. Through oxidative maturity esters concentrate, pear turning to mango over a waxy, creamy body. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, which is why it suits both bourbon and sherry. The cool Speyside air gave a slow, even maturation in the Rothes warehouses. Active wood frames the fruit without smothering the soft, creamy spirit. The tall, Glen Grant style stills give a light spirit that ages with grace. It was rarely bottled as a single malt in its lifetime, so most come from independents. No more will ever be made, the distillery silent since 2002.

At cask strength 48% it is full bodied. Mango, pear and a soft vanilla, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Soft pear and a waxy cream sit behind the cask. It finishes creamy, fruity and waxy. This is Caperdonich, the lost twin of Glen Grant.