Caperdonich 23 Years Old 1992 Closed Distilleries (Cadenhead’s)

A Caperdonich drawn by Scotland's oldest independent bottler Cadenhead's, distilled in 1992, bottled at 56.4%, one of 150 bottles. Caperdonich was built in 1898 as Glen Grant No.2, the sister distillery across the road from Glen Grant. Its four stills were dispersed, a pair going as far as Belgium and others to Falkirk.

It was made in tall copper stills for a light, fruity spirit, for the light, creamy, fruity make Caperdonich is known for. An American oak cask shaped it, soft and creamy beneath the fruit. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a drying structure while oxidation builds waxy tropical fruit. Ethyl esters built over the years lend the pear and tropical fruit of old Caperdonich. A slow maturation suits the delicate, creamy make, the fruit turning tropical with time. It was rarely bottled as a single malt in its lifetime, so most come from independents. With Caperdonich demolished, every bottle draws on a finite, dwindling stock.

At a full 56.4% it is bold yet fruity. Soft pear, cream and a waxy oil, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A baked pear and a soft spice lift it. It finishes creamy, fruity and waxy. This is Caperdonich, the lost twin of Glen Grant.