Caperdonich 21 Year

It's always a good occasion to try a whisky from a distillery I haven't sampled before, and it becomes even more special when it's a single malt from a closed facility, as it signifies you're tasting a final production run. This is the situation with Caperdonich, a distillery that I believe ceased operations in 2002, which was 21 years ago. This particular bottle, #1598, also carries a 21-year age statement and was matured in first-fill American oak barrels. It's a 48% ABV dram from Speyside. On the nose, it's quite fruity! Apples, sawdust, pears, a fruit salad, and a peach Pavlova dessert. Smells like old furniture. On the palate, this is a wonderfully smooth and creamy dram. A prominent vanilla note. Gooseberries. The second sip can be described as Bowser's signature move from the Mario Bros. movie, as it's all about Peaches. The finish offers a completely different, very pleasing experience. Hay, tobacco leaf, gunpowder. A salty, lingering finish. A touch metallic, but in a good way. Overall, I had no preconceptions about this single malt beforehand, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Every fruit note was incredibly clear and well-presented, and you will genuinely appreciate the peaty finish. Perfectly balanced, not overly complicated, this is a solid whisky. My rating is 90 out of 100.

Caperdonich. What a fantastic name. Beautiful straw gold color with a hint of auburn and a light viscosity with speckled legs. Pleasant aroma, though it slightly sharpens at 48% ABV. Vanilla bean and butterscotch are consistent throughout. The taste is rich, featuring creamy toffee, more vanilla bean, butterscotch, caramel, marzipan, and almonds. Lightly fruity with an excellent finish. It's a real shame this distillery is no longer in operation. (KM)

Opened 1 week. Straw hue with thin legs. Subtle floral apple scent. Faint. Initial thin mouthfeel. Some faint orange spice on the mid-palate. The conclusion, however, is truly exceptional. Waxy melon, honeydew pear, and vanilla. Produces saliva, with lip-smacking juiciness. A lengthy, spicy, sweet and sour aftertaste. 91

The nose is sweet and gentle. No peat. It's sweet on the palate, but not much is happening, and it has a somewhat overwhelming bitter aftertaste. A lingering honeydew melon aftertaste. Overall, it's not my favorite.

Uncertain if this is the correct bottling; mine indicated PEATED on the packaging. Much like the 18-year-old, I found its intensity overpowering for the flavors present. Furthermore, I'm not convinced the 21-year-old surpasses the 18-year-old.

Nose: rich butterscotch and fruit Palate: orange peel, toffee, vanilla, candy apple Finish: pure butterscotch, slow, luxurious. A truly exceptional dram.