Caperdonich 25 Years Old 1994 (SMWS 38.29)

A 25 year old Caperdonich, this distilled in 1994 from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, from cask 38.29, bottled at 53.2%, one of 262 bottles. Caperdonich made a light, fruity Speyside malt at Rothes until its closure in 2002. Its spirit went largely into blends such as Chivas Regal and Royal Salute.

The spirit was distilled from unpeated malt in tall Glen Grant style stills, building the fruity Caperdonich style. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the spirit lead. In the oxidative, evaporative years concentration brings tropical esters of mango and pineapple over a waxy cream. The oily, waxy texture is a mark of well aged Caperdonich. Long ageing turns the fresh pear towards mango, beeswax and a polished oak. 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 cask strength 53.2% it is full bodied. Cream, orchard fruit and a gentle spice, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Soft pear and a waxy cream sit behind the cask. The close is long, fruit over a gentle oak. This is a finite single malt from the lost Caperdonich distillery.