A increasingly rare sighting of Caperdonich and a well-aged one at that – 25 years in an refill ex-bourbon barrel. Juicy, Oak & Vanilla profile.
Nose: Wonderfully alluring from the get-go. Peach tart and apricot flan are joined by Comice pears and zesty orange. Running throughout freshly folded laundry and a touch of lovely lemony-polish. In the background jelly babies, chocolate covered digestives an rose-scented sugar syrup. The addition of water (which feels a shame for the expense of experimentation) adds some well-defined baked good – buns, bread pudding and pastry swirls.
Taste: The very strong nose is ably supported by an equally delicious palate. On arrival – syrupy tinned fruit salad lifted by well-polished lacquered wood and some bright lemon juice. The mid palate delivers camphor, orange peels and aromatic spices – cinnamon, cumin and finely grown ginger. Water adds a sour touch to the basket of fruits, emphasising lemon drops and Haribo Sour Mix.
Finish: Long, fruity with slightly charred wood and a touch of menthol.
This fruit-forward Caperdonich is really rather excellent. Defined, characterful, opulent and above all supremely tasty. Of course, rather expensive – but sometimes you get what you pay for and this bottling is cracking.