Caperdonich 1968 Connoisseurs Choice 75cl

This Caperdonich was distilled in 1968 and we don't know exactly when it was bottled by Gordon & MacPhail.  The 'old map label' series in this form has been around since 1988, so we are talking about a whisky aged for at least 20 years in oak casks. For a bottle bottled over 30 years ago, it looks very good. A few signs of use aside.
 

Tasting note

Nose

Very full nose especially considering the alcohol content of only 40%. Lots of dried fruits combined with honey, nuts, milk chocolate and oiled leather. Hint of ginger, sweet melon and amaretto.

Taste

Apricot jam, full malt notes, lots of toffee and herbal honey. Red apple, citrus, sweet pear. Some lychee that still provides a little acidity. Longer tasting also some grassy notes.

Finish

The softly sweet malt notes last the longest.

Caperdonich Distillery

Caperdonich Distillery was located in the heart of the Speyside region, in the small town of Rothes. Founded in 1898 by James Grant under the name Glen Grant No. 2, the distillery closed in 1902 and only reopened in 1965 under the name Caperdonich, meaning 'secret spring' in Gaelic. The distillery has a rich, if intermittent, history in whisky production.

A unique feature of Caperdonich was the use of water from nearby springs, which contributed to the purity and character of their whiskies. Caperdonich whiskies were known for their smooth and complex flavour profiles, with notes of honey, fruit, vanilla and a slight spiciness. The distillery used traditional copper pot stills and the whisky matured mainly in ex-bourbon casks, which ensured a balanced and refined flavour.

Although the distillery closed permanently in 2002 and was later demolished, the remaining bottles remain highly sought after by aficionados, collectors and investors due to their rarity and exceptional quality. Caperdonich remains a respected part of Scotch whisky history, remembered for the unique and high-quality single malts it produced.