Caperdonich 26 Years Old 1994 (SMWS 38.32)

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society selected this Caperdonich, a 26 year old, distilled in 1994, from cask 38.32, bottled at 52.9%, one of 245 bottles. Caperdonich is a closed Speyside distillery, its stock now finite and dwindling. Its spirit went largely into blends such as Chivas Regal and Royal Salute.

It was made in tall copper stills for a light, fruity spirit, for the light, creamy, fruity make Caperdonich is known for. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the spirit. Through the evaporative decades the oils concentrate, lactones and esters folding into mango and beeswax. The light Speyside make gains most of its depth from decades in good oak. The cool Speyside air gave a slow, even maturation in the Rothes warehouses. The oily, waxy texture is a mark of well aged Caperdonich. It was extended to four stills in 1967, run by only a couple of workers. With Caperdonich demolished, every bottle draws on a finite, dwindling stock.

At a hearty 52.9% it carries real weight. Tropical fruit, wax and a creamy oat, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run pear, cream and a soft mint. The finish is long, fruity and waxy. This is a creamy, tropical Speyside single malt of real age.