Caperdonich 28 Years Old 1991 Cask #17945 (Ian Macleod)

The independent Ian Macleod selected this Caperdonich, a 28 year old, distilled in 1991, from cask 17945, bottled at 48%, one of 210 bottles. Caperdonich, a ghost of Speyside, was demolished in 2011 to make way for a coppersmith's works. A pipeline known as the whisky pipe once carried its spirit across the road to Glen Grant.

Drawn off the tall stills on Caperdonich Burn water, for a delicate Speyside spirit with a creamy lift. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light vanilla. Oxidative, evaporative ageing turns the malt rich and waxy, ethereal esters and a faint sotolon (maple). The cool Speyside air gave a slow, even maturation in the Rothes warehouses. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, which is why it suits both bourbon and sherry. Maturation in the cool north east kept the spirit fresh across long years. Its spirit went largely into blends such as Chivas Regal and Royal Salute. No more will ever be made, the distillery silent since 2002.

At a hearty 48% it carries real weight. Tropical fruit, wax and a creamy oat, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is waxy, the fruit carried on a creamy body. The finish is long, fruity and waxy. This is the soft, fruity ghost of Glen Grant's sister.