Caperdonich 10 Year Old 1998 Single Malts of Scotland

Single Malts of Scotland is a label from Specialty Drinks Ltd, a subsidiary of The Whisky Exchange. This Caperdonich was matured on a peaty barrel, which is somewhat surprising. I read somewhere that Caperdonich experimented with peated runs in the ‘90s, but I was not aware they also used peaty barrels for maturation. I am not even sure what that means. Former Islay casks? No, surely not. This is probably one of those peaty runs, no? If you know, do get in touch. I am going to taste this.

The peat is very prominent on the nose, which is quite dry. Light hints of farm scents and quite some ecoline. Very special. The sweet fruit in the background does not stand a chance. Adding water does not improve the nose. I even get some plasticine then.

On the palate, I could easily mistake this for a Caol Ila. Darn! Mildly oily with sturdy peat again. Some citrus and hints of honey. Very alcoholic. This needs water. It allows the fruit (pears and grapefruit primarily) to poke through the layer of peat.

The finish is long on peat and white fruit, with a touch of bitterness from the oak at the death.

I quite like it, even though it is the weirdest of Capers.

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