Caperdonich 22 Years Old 2000 Cask #29480 (Signatory)

This Caperdonich was bottled by the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, a 22 year old, distilled in 2000, from cask 29480, bottled at 57.6%, one of 267 bottles. Caperdonich was the lesser known twin of Glen Grant, on Station Street in Rothes. Its spirit went largely into blends such as Chivas Regal and Royal Salute.

This was distilled from unpeated malt in tall Glen Grant style stills, for the light, creamy, fruity make Caperdonich is known for. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the spirit lead. Oxidative, evaporative ageing turns the malt rich and waxy, ethereal esters and a faint sotolon (maple). Caperdonich leaned to cream, pear and mint where Glen Grant showed green apple. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the fruity, waxy core over the decades. The cool Speyside air gave a slow, even maturation in the Rothes warehouses. Closed in 2002 and later demolished, its profile is fixed for good.

At a hearty 57.6% it carries real weight. Soft pear, cream and a waxy oil, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run pear, cream and a soft mint. It finishes creamy, fruity and waxy. This is Caperdonich, the lost twin of Glen Grant.