Caperdonich 23 Year Old 1980 Gordon & Macphail Connoisseurs Choice

This is a golden oldie, so tos peak. A Caperdonich from 1980, bottled by one of Scotland’s oldest and best known bottlers – Gordon & Macphail – a year after this Speyside distillery was closed. That was already 17 years ago.

I have to confess that I find the nose initially quite alcoholic. White fruit, honey, green grapes and then a hint of menthol. Gooseberries and white currants. Surprisingly spicy and herbal. Pretty good! A bit old school. Well, I was only ten when this spirit came off the still, so…

Good body, immediately fresh, fruity and spicy. Very much alive despite the long time in the bottle. Citrus fruit mostly, think lime and pomelo. And apples, but also pears. Evolves from yellow to white, if you catch my meaning. Must have been a refill sherry cask. This is really good. Perfect dose of pepper and mint. Fine balance.

The finish might have been a bit longer in my book, but I am already past caring.

This is a good old Caperdonich. ‘They don’t make ‘m like this no more, squire’. My thoughts exactly.

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