Caperdonich

Caperdonich's birth was based on a miscalculation: in 1898, James Grant built a second plant directly opposite his successful Glen Grant distillery in Rothes, called "Glen Grant No. 2", to meet the rapidly growing demand for malt for popular blended whiskies. Just four years later, in 1902, the sister distillery had to close again for lack of demand – while Glen Grant itself continues to thrive to this day.

It was only in 1965 that Glenlivet Distillers Ltd. brought the site back to life under the independent name Caperdonich. After several changes of ownership, Pernod Ricard closed the distillery for good in 2002; it was demolished in 2010. With Caperdonich 25 Year Old, you will find one of the last remaining bottlings of this vanished Speyside distillery in our selection.

Why did a distillery close again after just four years?

In 1898, James Grant built a second plant called "Glen Grant No. 2" directly opposite his flagship distillery in Rothes, connected to the larger Glen Grant by a pipeline. The investment was meant to meet growing demand for malt for blended whiskies – a miscalculation, as it turned out: "Glen Grant No. 2" had to close again for lack of demand as early as 1902, while its sister distillery continues to thrive to this day.

How did the final closure come about?

It was only in 1965 that Glenlivet Distillers Ltd. had the site extensively renovated and reopened under the new, independent name Caperdonich. In 1967, the number of stills was increased from two to four. In 1977, the distillery passed to Seagram, and in 2001, via the Chivas and Glenlivet Group, to Pernod Ricard – who mothballed the site as early as August 2002. In late 2010, Caperdonich was finally demolished; the stills were sold, with one pair going to the Belgian distillery Belgian Owl. A revival is therefore ruled out.

The most popular bottling at a glance

1. Caperdonich 25 Year Old
A rare old-stock bottling from this vanished distillery.
Taste: Light and floral with fine fruit notes and a hint of smoke.
Serving suggestion: For collectors and connoisseurs wanting to secure a piece of Speyside history.

Facts and figures

Address: Rothes, Morayshire. Founded: 1898 by James Grant (as "Glen Grant No. 2"). Closed: 1902, reopened 1965 as Caperdonich, closed for good 2002. Demolished: 2010.