Caperdonich 18 Years Old Chieftain's Cask 95054 & 95057 48% 1995

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (85)

Colour: gold.

Nose: it’s a much lighter and fruitier version of Caperdonich, without the lauded honeyed notes that used to be found in the 1970s, but I have to say I enjoy these unexpected notes of agaves, rosemary, walnut wine and sweet mustard. Other than that, we have an apple pie and a little Virginia tobacco. Touches of mustard. I quite like.

Mouth: this works! It’s both oily and citrusy, a profile that always works on my palate. Lemons, tonic water and honey, in appropriate proportions, then some peat coming through, a pinch of chilli powder and a little orange squash. The whole is very lively.

Finish: quite long a pretty mustardy and peppery, not unlike some Banffs used to be. Some peat lingering.

Comments: I’m not 100% sure whether it’s straight peat or if it’s just the spicy side that hints at peat, but I think this is a lovely ‘strong’ Caperdonich.

BOW (85)