Caperdonich 34 Years Old 1968 Cask #3568 (Duncan Taylor)

From the Huntly bottler Duncan Taylor, a 34 year old Caperdonich, distilled in 1968, from cask 3568, bottled at 41.8%, one of 198 bottles. Caperdonich, once Glen Grant No.2, ran in Rothes until Pernod Ricard closed it in 2002. It closed in 1902 after the Pattison crash, lying silent for over sixty years.

This was made in tall copper stills for a light, fruity spirit, for a delicate Speyside spirit with a creamy lift. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the spirit lead. In its ethereal years the malt is waxy and oxidative, faded esters and a touch of sotolon (maple, spice). The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, which is why it suits both bourbon and sherry. After closure the site was sold to the coppersmith Forsyths, who demolished it in 2011. Its character was close to Glen Grant but its own, less green apple, more cream, pear and mint. No more will ever be made, the distillery silent since 2002.

At cask strength 41.8% it is full bodied. Apple, pear and a soft honey, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is creamy and fruity, the soft spirit shining through. A long, fruity finish carries a tropical lift. This is the soft, fruity ghost of Glen Grant's sister.