Silent Distillery Profile; Caperdonich (Capper-don-ick or kapperDOHnich) 

by Lawrence Graham

Operational: 1898-2002 but silent from 1902 to 1965

Region: Speyside

Neighbors: Glen Grant

Address: Rothes, Morayshire, AB38 7BS

Last Owner: as of December 2001, Chivas Brothers Ltd, Groupe Pernod Ricard. 

The name Caperdonich means ‘the secret well’ and this distillery is most commonly known as Glen Grant Number 2 (until 1965) and Customs & Excise insisted that the make be piped over the road to Glen Grant Number 1 which was located directly across the street. This pipe became famous as the ‘whisky pipe’ and the locals were not adverse to drilling holes in the pipe to liberate some spirit.   

Caperdonich was originally built by Major Grant in 1898 due to increasing demand however its early production life was short lived because in 1902 it was shut down and much of the equipment was transferred to Glen Grant as spares. I have read that the stills at Caperdonich were the same as those at Glen Grant, as was the water source and the supplier of malt yet Caperdonich never attained the quality of Glen Grant. 

The collapse of the firm of Pattisons of Leith contributed to a general slow down in the industry and during this period the number of operating distilleries in Scotland fell from a high of 191 to a low of 132 in 1908. 

In 1965 after a very lengthy silent period of nearly 65 years Caperdonich was rebuilt by the Glenlivet & Glen Grant Distillers Ltd and was soon producing whisky once again and in its first year produced 350,000 gallons of spirit. This reopening coincided with a general expansion of capacity in the industry. 

Soon after in 1967 the distillery was expanded by the installation of two new steam heated pot stills, a modern tun room and the latest technology which allowed the distillery to be operated by a staff of only two. About a third of the malt required by produced at Glen Grant and the remainder was brought in thus no barley or peat was on site. 

In 1977 the distillery was taken over by Seagram’s of Canada Limited. In its short operating life Caperdonich never developed the reputation as a quality malt and was destined to be hidden away in the various blends of Chivas Regal, Queen Anne, Something Special and Passport. 

Caperdonich was never bottled as a single malt and it was only offered to the market by the independents of Gordon & MacPhail, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Cadenheads. Through my research into the history of Caperdonich I read again and again of unflattering descriptions of the whisky but I firmly believe that any Scottish distillery is or was capable of producing whiskies that would score over 90 points. In the case of Caperdonich this is evidenced by 3 casks as reviewed by Jim Murray in his 2006 Whisky Bible; Members Legacy 1967 Aged 36 years cask no. 4945 95 points, Members Legacy 1967 Aged 36 years cask no. 4947 96 points and Douglas Laing Platinum Old and Rare Caperdonich Aged 36 years 96 points. To quote the author in regard to the Platinum Old and Rare Caperdonich…… “Awesome. So there we have it. A distillery that can’t live day to day because its general spirit is so average can, in the right conditions, offer one of the greatest whisky experiences on Earth. Such is the beauty and tragedy of whisky.  

Sources: The Scottish Whisky Distilleries by Misako Udo, The Scotch Whisky Industry Record by H Charles Craig, The Making of Scotch Whisky by Hume & Moss and Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2006.

This article was originally published on the Malt Maniacs website and is reprinted here with permission of the author.

Angels fly north.

Liz and Paul of MCLEANSCOTLAND & ANGELS WHUISKY CLUB went north for their latest outing.

From Broughty Ferry (near Dundee) they drove through Aberdeen to Huntly and on to Dufftown, where a meeting had been scheduled with Mike, owner of the Dufftown Whisky Shop. It may be that the pair (Liz and Paul) will become involved in the Autumn whisky festival there, and meeting up with Mike to chat things over – watch this space for details later. From here through Elgin, Inverness and the road to Sutherland, passing Benromach, Dalmore, Invergordon and Glenmorangie distilleries before reaching Caithness, where they stopped overnight at a hotel who had kindly offered them hospitality. Next morning a guided tour of Old Pulteney distillery by Malcom; The Old Pulteney distillery is one of the most northerly distilleries on the Scottish mainland. It is a windswept location, where the landscape of the Highlands meets the North Sea, the waves crash against the granite walls of the harbour. Built in 1826, the Pulteney Distillery is rich in history and atmosphere. The extreme location and unique stills have resulted in a distinctive flavour – the Genuine Maritime Malt. Liz had a really good taste, bought the shirt, some whisky and generally had a good time, while Paul was still the driver and got the drivers share; a sniff! A great tour and meeting some of the staff, a nice day became even nicer, thanks to Malcom and everyone there.

Liz in the warehouse

From here north again to John O’Groats, a perfect day, clear blue skies, enabled them to see lots of Orkney, sitting there just over the waves, they could almost smell Highland Park and Scapa – och next time. Some local sightseeing with a bottle of Kavalan;  An elegant, floral, fruity and seductive dram. With hints of honey, tropical fruits – mango, pear drops from school days, vanilla, coconuts and maybe a hint of chocolate. Liz enjoyed a large dram, as soon as the driving was over for the day – Paul caught up!

The highlight of the trip so far; staying at Ackergill Tower, a castle dating back to the 15h century, beautiful rooms and atmosphere, a grand dinner, wines and whisky enjoyed with the owners and 30 odd guests, a fine evening.

Day 3 saw the angels heading through the heavy mists passing Clynelish/Brora on to Glenmorangie, where another private tour took place. The tallest stills in the business, “what big neck’s they do have granny!”  Signet is Paul’s favourite dram here, a blend of  old whisky – distilled over thirty years ago when malting still occurred on site – and spirit matured in a selection of the world’s finest casks, this undoubtedly is a rich whisky – the exact secret of its production are known only to the creators, but can tell you that Signet’s sweetness and spiciness is caused by unique roasted ‘chocolate’ barley malt and the ‘designer casks’ made bespoke for Glenmorangie from American white oak. Non chill-filtered. Coffee Chocolate Citrus with a treacle plum pudding, sherry and orange peel.  How to describe this gem;   oooooooooooooooooooh!

Och they needed to leave, a few miles away awaited Glen Ord, the nearest distillery to Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland. The young and beautiful Anne took the private tour, she has been there 9 years, she only looks 21 herself! The Singleton of Glen Ord is mainly for selected Asian markets only and only available at the Visitor Centre and Whisky Shop. However, MCLEANSCOTLAND can take you there – and everywhere else!  Glen Ord distillery was founded in 1838, making it one of the oldest in Scotland and continues to malt its own barley and to use the long fermentation and slow distillation methods followed there for generations. So much going on here, new stills, wash backs, new buildings, Diageo are pumping money in here to enlarge to output, so much activity!  It will be excellent when finished, hopefully by the end of the summer.

Sadly, they departed for Forres and their next hotel, a fine country manor, with a really good whisky bar, Paul was pleased! Day 4 – first port of call; to chat with Iain at Glen Moray distillery. A few items of business before the usual event – the purchasing! Although many thanks go to Iain for the bottle – donated to the tour in two weeks with the malt Whisky Association of Finland, back touring again with Liz and Paul.  And so home … almost 4 hours later back at Broughty Ferry, the unloading took longer than planned, so much whisky, gifts, clothes, not to mention personal luggage. Result; “a great trip, just a pity we didnee have time for the other distilleries, Dalmore, Clynelish, Balblair, Benromach, not to mention a plethora in Speyside and Aberdeenshire, another trip needed!” Paul.

Liz and Paul own www.mcleanscotland.com and www.angelswhiskyclub.com  Based in Perth and Broughty Ferry, designing bespoke whisky tours.

Ian Macleod Distillers crowned five-times winner at The Asian Spirits Masters 

Ian Macleod Distillers is celebrating after an outstanding win at The Asian Spirits Masters in London as its three finest Single Malt brands swept the board with a total of five awards. 

The medals were awarded to: Scotland’s slowest distilled whisky, Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky; the heavily-peated Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky and the recently re-launched and award-winning ‘can-dhu’, spirit Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky. 

Only nine medals were presented in the whisky category, making Ian Macleod Distillers the biggest winner.  The awards are: 

• Single Malt up to 12yo category – Gold medal Tamdhu 10yo Speyside Single Malt
• Single Malt up to 12yo category – Gold medal Smokehead Islay Single Malt
• Single Malt 12-18yo category – Gold medal Glengoyne 18yo Highland Single Malt
• Single Malt 18+yo category – Gold medal Glengoyne 25 yo Highland Single Malt
• Single Malt 18+yo category – Silver medal Glengoyne 21 yo Highland Single Malt 

The Asian Spirits Masters seek to find and reward the finest spirits brands in Asia on the world stage. Chaired by The Spirits Business and a panel of leading, independent spirits specialists, The Asian Spirits Masters is open to all brands available to buy in the Far East and was judged in a blind tasting from entries from across the world. Each spirit is judged on its own merit and is not chosen by comparison. 

Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers said: “We are exceedingly proud that, once again, our brands have been recognised in what is an extremely competitive market. 

“It is particularly exciting to see that Tamdhu has now won top awards in each of the three competitions entered since its re-launch last year. We are also delighted that the new Glengoyne 25yo has been awarded a gold medal in its first competition,” Iain continued. 

“Each one of these malts boasts its own unique qualities making them worthy winners of these prestigious awards.” 

Unlike most other single malt whiskies, Glengoyne dries the malted barley using only warm air resulting in an extremely subtle yet complex malt where all the delicate flavours are freely expressed. The whisky completes its journey to the bottle in some of the finest Oloroso sherry casks within the industry. Glengoyne is distilled slower than any other malt whisky in Scotland making it ‘worth the wait’. 

Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, which was born on the banks of the River Spey in 1897, is the only single malt to be exclusively matured in the finest European and American oak sherry casks, with a high proportion being first fill and teeming with flavour. These fine sherry casks give Tamdhu its dark natural colour and unique quality. 

Smokehead is a heavily peated, exceptional Islay single malt whisky of the highest quality. Powerful and warming, it takes you on an explosive rollercoaster of peat, smoke and spice with a delicate sweetness on the finish. 

Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading, independent family owned distillers. The company acquired Glengoyne distillery in 2003, Tamdhu in 2011 and launched Smokehead in 2006.

For more information, please visit www.ianmacleod.com, www.glengoyne.com, www.smokehead.com or www.tamdhu.com.

Whisky Tasting and Dinner Cruise
Aboard The Spirit of Boston
May 14th, 2014 7:00-9:30 PM

The Whisky Guild will return for this special annual event. Less than two weeks from today, we’ll embark upon a spectacular harbor cruise with a great selection of whiskies available to taste – and a buffet dinner. This is one of the best events to come to Boston and a night you won’t want to miss. It promotes whisky, yet in my eyes this is an event for consumers – novice to aficionado – to not only taste and talk about malts, but to engage with ambassadors, distillers, blenders, and distillery managers. They attend not just to promote their wares, but to get the chance to hear what you are looking for. They take the input you give them very seriously, so speak up, ask questions, and get your money’s worth.

VIP access gives an extra hour to sample the offerings and more of them beginning at 6 PM. This was a great time in the past and one we’ve been anxiously anticipating all year. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to sample from more than 100 rare and exclusive whiskies, poured by distillery managers, Ambassadors and master blenders from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and Japan.

We’re extremely grateful to Whisky Guild for bringing this superlative event with a broad range of whiskies to our neighborhood. We believe that our customers in particular will appreciate and enjoy this unique event. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to be out on the water, sipping scotch, and enjoying a cigar (smoke ’em if you got ’em) on the deck of a luxury cruiser. Did you miss Whiskyfest Chicago? Whisky-Live New York? No worries, you have this- every bit as good, no, better: you’re out on the harbor.

VIP Boarding Time: 6:00pm
Boarding Time: 7:00pm
Sail Time: 7:30-9:30pm

Regular Ticket Price $115
VIP Ticket Price $145 (Board At 6:00pm)
Price includes Whisky, Dinner & Whisky Tasting Glass
You may view the buffet dinner menu
as well as purchase tickets directly from The Whisky Guild at:

http://whiskyguildboston2014.eventbrite.co.uk/

Federal customers will receive a 20% discount with the code: federal. The boat leaves from 200 Seaport Boulevard at 7:30, please bring a valid ID. Whisky Magazine named Federal Wine & Spirits 2012 National ‘Retailer of the Year’ Whisky Magazine is based in the UK, but is the international journal of record for scotch whisky in the world.

Len Rothenberg
Federal Wine & Spirits
Email: info@federalwine.com
Phone: (617) 367-8605
Web: http://www.federalwine.com/

The Whisky Lounge is rolling into town this May with their biggest event yet – The London Whisky Weekender. If you’re near London between Friday 16 and Sunday 18 May, and like whisky, then you should probably come along.

It’s at Oval Space, a venue to the east of the city near to Cambridge Heath station, a few stops from Liverpool Street. It’s a great space and has been a favourite of food and drinks festivals over the past year.

There are four sessions: Friday night from 7pm until midnight, Saturday afternoon from midday until 5pm, Saturday night from 7pm until midnight and Sunday afternoon from midday until 6pm.

Along with the usual gaggle of exhibitors – including whiskies from the USA, India and Ireland as well as Scotland – there are a whole host of other bits and pieces going on.  Especially interesting are the workshops happening on ‘The Blitz Terrace’, overlooking the last remaining, undeveloped bomb site in London. These include two particularly excellent-looking pre-war whisky tastings that they’ll be running on the Saturday – there are still a few spaces available. There will also be street food, cocktails, barbecue, picklebacks, live music and much more.

Tickets are on sale now from The Whisky Lounge website: £35 per person on Friday or Saturday, and £20 on Sunday.

TWE will be on hand all weekend running the on-site whisky shop, which gives you yet another reason to come along. If you do make it, pop by and say hello – I’m the one with the increasingly stupid looking beard.

Originally published on The Whisky Exchange Blog – The Whisky Lounge London Whisky Weekender

www.ralfy.com introduces an affordable Islay option from a less-known Distillery which escapes excessive marketing flannel!  

Whisky Review 453 – Bunnahabhain 18yo @ 46.3% Malt Whisky

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ABERLOUR LAUNCHES WORLD’S FIRST OUTDOOR WHISKY ART GALLERY  

Stunning outdoor photography exhibition by former European Wildlife Photographer of the Year, David Maitland, reveals the enigma behind the whisky journey. 

Premium single malt Scotch whisky brand Aberlour has today announced the opening of the world’s first outdoor whisky art gallery; a unique photography exhibition set in the heart of the Scottish countryside, which brilliantly captures the individual elements that together result in one of Scotland’s most famous exports. 

Coinciding with the opening of Scotland’s ‘Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’ today (1^st – 5^th May), this new, permanent exhibition – which is free-of-charge to all visitors – features the world-first series of stunning super-macro images, unveiled earlier this year by Aberlour. The photos reveal the hidden beauty of Aberlour’s whisky journey, from the pink granite that creates the softness of the water used in the distillation process, to the special oak cask in which the spirit is transformed. 

These images, which have never before been put on display, were captured by David Maitland, one of the world’s foremost specialist super-macro photographers. Super-macro photography allows the subject to be captured closer than ever before and, in this unique outdoor gallery, results in an eye-catching portfolio of unusually intricate images. Among these striking visuals are those which delve inside a grain of barley, bring to life the hidden pattern of the oak sherry cask and showcase the kaleidoscopic patterns of the crystalline structure of the spirit itself. 

Dr. David Maitland, winner of the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 2008, said: “I am so pleased that the public can enjoy these images in the natural surrounding from which they were inspired, right in the heart of Scotland’s single malt region. The whisky journey is one that relies on nature and none more so than Aberlour, from the spring water used in the distillation process, to the sherry casks in which the whisky is aged. These images bring all of these elements to life in a way that I have not seen done before and I hope will be enjoyed by all who see them.” 

Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director for Aberlour, said: “David’s photos have brilliantly captured the coming together of the natural elements and the expert craftsmanship of our distillers, while also maintaining the enigma behind the award-winning taste of Aberlour. 

“To show the photography in the stunning setting of the distillery and its surroundings is a real treat for visitors to the area and, to see the elements of whisky in super-macro detail provides an insight into the intricacy and craft which go towards developing a premium single malt Scotch whisky.” 

The outdoor whisky gallery can be found at the Aberlour Distillery in the heart of Scotland’s Speyside region, halfway between Inverness and Aberdeen. The gallery is situated along a stunning countryside walk which takes in some of Scotland’s magnificent landmarks, including the Linn Falls and the Burn’s Path. It is open now and is free-of-charge to all visitors to the area. Additional whisky tours of the Aberlour Distillery can be booked via the website. 

For more information about the Aberlour Distillery and how to get there, please visit: www.aberlour.com. 

Notes 

About the photographs

Pink Granite – Award winning photographer, David Maitland started his journey of discovery at Ben Rinnes, which sits behind the distillery and provides a sure supply of soft spring water draining over the pink granite. This picture shows the pink granite from Ben Rinnes at 200x magnification. 

Water – David captured the crystal-clear spring water from the Birkenbush Spring. Soft and pure, it is perfect for the development of a wide range of flavours which is why it is used to create Aberlour’s range of fine single malts. The water was captured at 400x magnification. 

Barley – In this image, David shows barley at 400x magnification, showing the amyoplasts (starch grains), which deliver the sweetness of Aberlour, a whisky of exceptional quality – clean, crisp and fruity with striking depth. 

Sherry Cask – This picture focuses on the prized ex-Oloroso sherry cask which lends the velvety, clean and crisp flavour to the Aberlour range of single malts.  This image was captured at 400x magnification. 

Aberlour 12 Year Old – In this image Aberlour’s rich and velvety 12-year-old incarnation reveals a smooth string of crystals which is reflected in its velvety finish. The image was captured at 400x magnification. 

Aberlour A’bunadh – At 200x magnification this photograph of Aberlour’s hand-crafted A’bunadh shows crystals bursting with sweet flavour originating from the specially selected ex-sherry casks. Like each batch of A’bunadh, this image is unique, as this was captured just as the crystal began to grow. 

About Aberlour

The multi award-winning Aberlour was founded in 1879 in Speyside, Scotland. From its magical location alongside the River Spey, the small and intimate distillery holds a special place in the hearts of malt Scotch whisky lovers. Since its quest to create the best single malt began, Aberlour has won an outstanding list of trophies and gold medals. Its range of single malt whisky including 12 year old, 16 year old, an 18 year olds and the hand crafted A’bunadh, are renowned with experts the world over for their exceptional quality.

www.aberlour.com 

About David Maitland

David Maitland is an award winning photographer specialising in macro, super macro and microscopy photography. David was awarded European Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 2008.

www.davidmaitland.com

MORE UNDISPUTED PLEASURE

So many bottlings promising so much pleasure…where do you begin? Discover more about our flavour clans and their recommendations by visiting our fun web widget at smwsclansanddrams.com

If your loyalties are still torn, let us come to your aid….here’s some suggestions from our online shop. Let bottle commence!

Young & spritely

26.98 Lively as an electric acrobat
BUY £49.40

Sweet, fruity & mellow

64.46 Rice pudding with clotted cream
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Spicy & sweet

7.92 Set the juice loose!
BUY £71.30

Spicy & dry

39.97 A symphony of sophistication
BUY £87.20

Deep, rich & fruity

73.60 Watching the Monaco Grand Prix from a roof terrace
BUY £92.40

Old & dignified

21.28 Relaxing in a tropical garden
BUY £349.00 (Closed distillery)

Light & delicate

72.27 Bouquet of flowers in a new car
BUY £160.20

Juicy, oak & vanilla

9.81 Sweet, savoury & tangy
BUY £45.00

Oily & coastal

93.57 Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of this
BUY £84.90

Lightly peated

G7.5
Grain Smoky Werthers Original
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Peated

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Heavily peated

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