Caperdonich 50 Years Old 1972 Cask #7441 (Murray McDavid)

This Caperdonich was bottled by the bottler Murray McDavid, a 50 year old, distilled in 1972, from cask 7441, bottled at 47.1%, one of 100 bottles. Caperdonich was built in 1898 as Glen Grant No.2, the sister distillery across the road from Glen Grant. Water came from the Caperdonich Burn, the so called secret well above Rothes.

This was drawn off the tall stills on Caperdonich Burn water, building the fruity Caperdonich style. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light vanilla. In its ethereal years the malt is waxy and oxidative, faded esters and a touch of sotolon (maple, spice). The tall, Glen Grant style stills give a light spirit that ages with grace. Refill oak lets the soft, fruity Caperdonich character lead the way. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the fruity, waxy core over the decades. Its character was close to Glen Grant but its own, less green apple, more cream, pear and mint. Closed in 2002 and later demolished, its profile is fixed for good.

At a full 47.1% it is bold yet fruity. Soft pear, cream and a waxy oil, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is creamy and fruity, the soft spirit shining through. A long, creamy finish ends on pear and vanilla. This is Caperdonich's creamy, fruity Speyside style.