Time for some more Whisky sponge IB editions (more coming.. they are quite prolific). Let’s start with a nice 1995 Glen Grant. I am quite a fan of the distillery and have noticed that with good age GG are brilliant whiskies. Here’s hoping this one’s great too.
A nice touch by the sponge, as GG and Caperdonich have quite something in common:
Caperdonich, originally known as “Glen Grant #2”, was built in 1898 by the founders of the Glen Grant distillery, J. & J. Grant. Glen Grant #2 closed after four years and was dormant until 1965 when it was rebuilt by Glenlivet Distilleries Ltd. By that time, British law prohibited simultaneously operating distilleries from using the same name, and Glen Grant #2 was reopened as “Caperdonich”.
Glen Grant 26 yo 1995 50,6%, Decadent Drinks (a vatting of two GG casks) , Sold Out
Nose: Nice and fruity with the right combination of wood/fruit; orchard fruit galore, mostly on peaches, and ripe apples, vanilla ice cream, and almost ripe banana with cereal – quite juicy. With more time notes of English cake emerge, as well as a green melon.
Palate: The palate is oily and more concentrated than I have anticipated, but the fruity profile is also present here, with mainly on apple, peaches and some green pears, old school candy, and barley sugars, on the 2nd wave of sensations it gets a bit grassy and zingy with lemon rind and gingerbread.
Finish: more fruit ginger cookies and a hint of cocoa-infused shortbread.
Conclusion: Whats’ not to like here? very nice stuff, although it’s not earth-shattering dram. Lovely, and exactly what one would expect from that sort of Glen Grant. I like it.
Score: 87/100
Sold out, Unfortunately.
Caperdonich 21 yo 2000 55%, Decadent Drinks, refill hhd , £265
Nose: Ah, this one’s deeper and not as fresh but still quite fruity : it’s more like a mix of ripe plums, and red apples with apricots all in sweet juicy nectar. there’ also a waxy edge to it, and a deeper woody touch as well, although it;s younger by 5 years.. I quite like that. Wood shavings and pencils, and maybe some kirsch.
Palate: spicier, more chili heat up front, then a big dollop of vanilla, ginger, and pepper, honeyed and quite sweet but savory as well, more wax, and more wood shavings as well, and a big coconut note, fruit compote cooking slowly in a pot. Highly enjoyable, and calls for a drop or two of water.
Finish: long and sweet with big woody / sweet juicy notes, and coconut sweets.
Conclusion: This is a great whisky, deeper and more wintery – loving the deep sweet fruit with the wood juices and coconut.
Score: 89/100
Still available for £265 from the DD site (ouch)