The last time I reviewed a Caperdonich was back in 2013… Not that I didn’t get to try any, but somehow recent releases were always disappointing if (like me) you ‘grew up’ with Caperdonich 1972. And you know, prices for lost distillery bottlings are rising through the roof these days.
Here’s a new Caperdonich 1995, a single cask bottling for Master of Malt.
Caperdonich 22 yo 1995 (59,2%, Master of Malt 2018, bourbon cask)
Caperdonich 22 yo 1995 (59,2%, Master of Malt 2018, bourbon cask)Nose: starts on flinty notes and lots of pipe tobacco, sunflower oil and fresh barley. Walnuts and hazelnuts. After a while there are hints of gooseberries and apples. Subtle mint. A hint of old cigar boxes.
Mouth: quite charred, with a hint of grassy smoke, then crushed peppercorns, liquorice and heavily infused tea. Flashes of sweet peaches in the background. Then moving towards herbal infusions (aniseed) with a pinch of salt and some muscovado sugar.
Finish: quite long, with a grassy earthiness, bittersweet orange and herbs.
Rather idiosyncratic, with an old-style earthy profile. Slightly demanding but really interesting. Available from Master of Malt.
Score: 86/100