This Caperdonich 1992 is the first bottling by David Stirk that bears a label designed by Tony Koehl, an American artist with roots in the fantasy / Gothic / death metal scene. Not exactly my kind of art, and a slightly weird combination with the world of whisky, but this is not an art blog after all.

Caperdonich 20 yo 1992 (52,2%, Creative Whisky Co. 2012, The Tony Koehl series, cask #121137, 300 btl.)

Nose: stewed garden fruits. Yellow apples. Typical honey and beeswax. Vanilla. There’s also a fragrant floral side. Underneath is a big layer of sweet barley and cornflakes. It has the classic Caperdonich elements, but it’s a little harsh with rather loud oak. Mouth: fruity and sweet, but again showing some raw grains and a peppery kick. Some hay. Cinnamon and ginger. Apple peelings. Faint earthy notes too. Finish: medium long, with some grassy oak and tangy spices having the last word.

I know it’s slightly unfair to compare this with 1970s Caperdonich, it’s definitely related but more rough and spiced up. Around € 100.

Score: 82/100