Ah, Caperdonich. One of my favourite distilleries, but only because of the glorious 1972 expressions bottled by (or sold off by) Duncan Taylor. It seems like ages that I’ve tried that particular fruit-bomb profile though (eight years, according to my tasting log). More recent expressions have been expensive (look, a closed distillery!) but never rise to the same heights.
Today, a 23 years old Caperdonich bottled by That Boutique-y Whisky Company.
Caperdonich 23 yo
(47,8%, That Boutique-y Whisky Co 2019, Batch #6, 316 btl.)
Caperdonich 23 yoNose: interesting. There’s a modest fruity side (apples, plums) but the primary notes are cedar wood, cinnamon, tobacco leaves and a whiff of spent matches. Pumpernickel and hazelnuts. Sweet lemons and floral honey in the background.
Mouth: rich, with toffee sweetness and sugar coated nuts, as well as oak spice, leafy notes and earthy tea. Hints of chocolate and coffee. Herbal notes as well as light menthol.
Finish: long, on oak spice, toffee, chocolate and nutty notes.
It’s not the bright, fruity profile that I associate with Caperdonich, but it’s definitely interesting. I didn’t see this coming, even though I tried a similar cask before. Available from Master of Malt.
Score: 85/100