Caperdonich 26 years 1996 - 2022 #82237

Though the Caperdonich distillery has long since closed its doors, its spirit continues to captivate connoisseurs through rare bottlings like this one. Distilled in 1996 and bottled in 2022 from a single cask (#82237), this 26-year-old single malt is a tribute to craftsmanship, complexity, and the magic of Speyside’s golden age.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Delicate yet expressive. Sweet peach and candied orange peel take the lead, followed by soft vanilla, marzipan, and a hint of antique oak bookcases. As it opens up, floral nuances and a whisper of cinnamon emerge.

Palate

Full-bodied and silky in texture. Rich layers of dried fruits like figs and dates blend beautifully with milk chocolate, roasted nuts, and a warm spice of nutmeg. The sweetness is perfectly balanced by gentle oak.

Finish

Long and comforting, lingering with notes of butterscotch, a hint of soft smoke, and a touch of clove. A finish that invites contemplation—and another sip.

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.

Blackadder

Blackadder is an independent bottler of whisky, founded in 1995 by Robin Tucek. The company is known for its pure approach to bottling whisky, emphasising the preservation of the whisky's natural flavour and quality. Blackadder has earned a special reputation in the whisky world, especially for their signature ‘Raw Cask’ bottlings.

Raw Cask Series

Blackadder's most famous and unique series is the ‘Raw Cask’ series. In these bottlings, the whisky remains completely natural, and there may even be small particles of wood or charcoal present in the bottle, from the cask in which the whisky was matured. This is one of the features that make Blackadder unique, and it reflects the company's commitment to preserving the whisky's original state.