Caperdonich 1996 Cadenhead's Closed Distilleries 20 yo

 

 

 

46,4°

Distillery : Caperdonich - Speyside

Bourbon Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2017

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Caperdonich is a distillery that closed in 2002 and was destroyed in 2010. It is impossible to reopen it, as they did with Brora and Port Ellen. Its bottlings are therefore condemned to oblivion, but before that happens, I managed to hold on to this one, aged 20 years and released by Cadenhead. The simple maturation process preserves the distillate, and 264 bottles were produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Candied lemon, dash of creamy vanilla, warm brioche, breadcrumbs, soufflé. Soft doughnut sprinkled with icing sugar. Sweet pears, green grapes, melon and prickly pears. Some floral and herbaceous tones, freshly cut grass, wild mint leaf. In the background, light wax, a little liquid. Marshmallow. On the palate it's a tad light but fresh, airy and very well balanced. Lime, dried fruit, delicate woodiness, peach stones. More ripe orchard fruits and discreet spices, ginger, cloves. Quite long, syrupy finish, still fruity, beeswax, rosewater. Some cereals. 

In Short, 

It's very well made, light and subtle, typically Speyside, pastry-like and delicate, full of sunshine and sweetness. For fans of the profile, Caperdonich seems to be a hidden treasure, perhaps close to being gone forever. This one is, of course, sold out everywhere, but is still sometimes found at auction.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                           Abøn - Morphus