Caperdonich distillery

Introduction to Caperdonich

A distillery with a passion for craft

Caperdonich is a lost Scottish Speyside distillery that has achieved cult status among whisky connoisseurs worldwide. Originally built as a sister distillery to the famous Glen Grant, this hidden gem produced exceptional single malt whiskies that are now highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Located in Rothes, in the heart of Speyside, Caperdonich crafted whiskies that perfectly captured the essence of the region – fruity, elegant, and complex – while maintaining its own distinctive character.

Why we have a soft spot for Caperdonich

At Vault of Spirits, we treasure distilleries that leave a lasting legacy, even after their doors have closed. Caperdonich holds a special place in our hearts for its increasingly rare expressions that offer a taste of whisky history.

The distillery’s output was predominantly used for blending during its lifetime, meaning that authentic single malt bottlings are particularly scarce and represent a vanishing piece of Scotland’s whisky heritage.

The History Behind Caperdonich

Origin and development

Caperdonich was established in 1898 by the founders of Glen Grant, who built it just across the road from their original distillery. Initially named “Glen Grant 2,” the distillery was designed to meet the growing demand for Glen Grant whisky during the whisky boom of the late 19th century.

Unfortunately, timing wasn’t on its side. The Pattison Crash of 1899 brought financial hardship to the Scotch whisky industry, and the distillery was forced to close after just a few years of operation. It remained silent for over six decades until it was reopened in 1965, now under the name Caperdonich to avoid confusion with Glen Grant.

The distillery continued production until 2002 when it was closed by then-owner Pernod Ricard. The buildings were subsequently demolished in 2010, marking the final chapter of its physical existence.

The people behind

Throughout its modern era, Caperdonich was overseen by skilled distillers who maintained the traditional Speyside methods while developing the distillery’s own signature profile. Though often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, the team at Caperdonich created whiskies that are now recognized for their exceptional quality and character.

The distillery’s late manager, Kenny Warren, was known for his dedication to maintaining consistently high standards, ensuring that even though most of the output was destined for blends, the spirit itself was crafted with pride.

The Craft and Production

From raw materials to finished product

Caperdonich used traditional production methods typical of Speyside distilleries. The locally sourced malted barley was mashed in cast-iron mash tuns before being fermented in wooden washbacks, allowing for the development of the fruity esters that became a hallmark of their spirit.

Distillation took place in copper pot stills that were nearly identical to those at Glen Grant, featuring tall necks that produced a light, elegant spirit. The stills’ design encouraged ample copper contact, resulting in a clean, fruit-forward new make with exceptional clarity.

Maturation and aging

Caperdonich’s spirit was primarily matured in traditional oak casks, with a preference for ex-bourbon barrels that complemented the distillery’s fruity profile. Some of the most celebrated expressions have spent time in sherry casks, developing rich, complex flavor profiles with layers of dried fruits and spice.

The warehouse conditions in Speyside, with its moderate climate, allowed for a gentle maturation process that preserved the distillery’s characteristic fruit notes while developing depth and complexity over time.

Selected Products from Caperdonich

Independent Bottlings – A window to a lost distillery

Since the distillery’s closure, the only way to experience Caperdonich is through independent bottlers who acquired casks before the distillery’s demise. These bottles typically showcase the distillery’s signature notes of orchard fruits, honey, vanilla, and delicate spice, often with a distinctive floral character.

Each independent bottling offers a unique glimpse into this lost distillery, with the older expressions becoming increasingly rare and valuable.

Vintage Releases – A treasure for collectors

Particularly sought after are the bottlings from the 1960s and 1970s, representing the early years after the distillery’s reopening. These are often characterized by an incredible depth of flavor, waxy textures, and a complexity that only comes with extended aging.

The occasional appearance of 1960s Caperdonich at auction often triggers fierce bidding wars among collectors, highlighting the legendary status this distillery has achieved posthumously.

Visiting the distillery

A distillery that lives in memory

Unfortunately, since Caperdonich was demolished in 2010, physical visits are no longer possible. The site where the distillery once stood is now largely vacant, with little evidence of its whisky-making past.

For those interested in Caperdonich’s legacy, visiting neighboring Glen Grant distillery offers a glimpse into the shared history and production style that influenced Caperdonich’s distinctive spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caperdonich?

Caperdonich was a Speyside single malt whisky distillery located in Rothes, Scotland. It operated from 1898 to 1902 and then again from 1965 to 2002. After its closure, the distillery buildings were demolished in 2010, making it one of Scotland’s “lost distilleries.” Its whiskies are prized for their fruit-forward character and excellent balance.

Where was Caperdonich located?

Caperdonich was located in the town of Rothes in Speyside, Scotland, just across the road from Glen Grant distillery. The Speyside region is renowned for producing some of Scotland’s most elegant and approachable single malts.

What characterizes Caperdonich whisky?

Caperdonich is known for its classic Speyside profile with pronounced orchard fruit notes (apple and pear), delicate honey sweetness, and subtle floral characteristics. The spirit often displays excellent balance with a medium body and a clean, elegant finish. Older expressions develop more complexity with notes of tropical fruits, spices, and oak influence.

Where can I buy whisky from Caperdonich?

You can find select bottlings from Caperdonich at Vault of Spirits. We curate special releases from independent bottlers who acquired casks before the distillery’s closure. Due to the finite supply and the distillery’s closed status, these bottles represent a diminishing resource and a chance to taste whisky history.