Caperdonich 1982 "Private Collection" G&M, 700ml

The ‘Private Collection’ features a truly exceptional and unique range of greatly aged single malts from a mixture of celebrated, little-known, and now closed distilleries across Scotland.

Caperdonich was distilled in 1982, matured in Refilled bourbon barrel and bottled from cask #476 at 46.6% ABV in 2019.

Only 114 hand-blown crystal decanters have been produced.

Now sadly lost in the mists of distilling’s bygone era, the Caperdonich Distillery (Gaelic for ‘The Secret Well’) was effectively Glen Grant’s sister distillery. Founded in 1897, the Rothes distillery, known as Glen Grant Number 2, was closed four years after opening only to reopen in 1965. The modern distillery, named after the well from which it took its water, was mothballed in 2002, effectively calling time on the distillery forever.

Those Caperdonich casks still in existence are highly sought after. The whisky has a distinctly rich, mossy, dry character with lovely light herbal and fruity notes. A snapshot in time, Caperdonich is a closed distillery definitely worth seeking out.

Nose: Soft and gentle aromas of citrus peel and traces of toffee combine with sweet hay and dried flower notes. Nuances of honeysuckle emerge, balanced by fresh highlights of newly-harvested mint.

Palate: Gentle flavours of liquorice root initially. Crisp red apple notes emerge; a drying oak undertone lingers before nutty notes surface. A generous sweetness remains.

Finish: Sweet flavours evolve into a refreshing element akin to newly-harvested hops. Mature oak endures on the finish.