Caperdonich 21 Years Old Cask #Batch CA/004

Caperdonich from the distillery's own stock, a 21 year old, cask Batch CA/004, at 48%. Caperdonich distilled a creamy, fruity Speyside malt at Rothes before closing in 2002. It reopened in 1965 to feed Glen Grant's booming Italian trade, and took the Caperdonich name in 1977.

This was drawn off the tall stills on Caperdonich Burn water, giving the soft pear and mint of the house style. A bourbon barrel held it, lending vanilla and a little cream. At oxidative maturity aldehydes and esters lend tropical fruit while ellagitannins add a drying, structured grip. The oily, waxy texture is a mark of well aged Caperdonich. Seagram bought it in 1977, and Pernod Ricard closed it in 2002. The cool Speyside air gave a slow, even maturation in the Rothes warehouses. Caperdonich leaned to cream, pear and mint where Glen Grant showed green apple. It was built in 1898 by J and J Grant of Glen Grant, as Glen Grant No.2, to meet the whisky boom. Closed in 2002 and later demolished, its profile is fixed for good.

At a full 48% it is bold yet fruity. Cream, orchard fruit and a gentle spice, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A tropical fruit and a gentle oak give it depth. It finishes creamy, fruity and waxy. This is a waxy, pear scented Speyside single malt.