Caperdonich whiskey, a distillery located in Scotland, has changed ownership several times throughout its history. In 1977, it became part of Seagram's empire, a Canadian beverage company known for its various alcohol brands. Seagram's owned Caperdonich until 2000 when it was sold to Pernod Ricard, a French spirits company.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to learn about the ownership history of various distilleries, including Caperdonich. It is fascinating to see how ownership changes can impact the production and availability of certain whiskies.
Seagram's acquisition of Caperdonich in 1977 was a significant event for the distillery. With Seagram's vast resources and distribution channels, Caperdonich had the opportunity to expand its reach and potentially increase production. During this time, Caperdonich's output was primarily used in Seagram blends such as Chivas Regal, Passport, Something Special, and Queen Anne. These blends were popular among whisky drinkers and helped establish Caperdonich as a reliable source for quality whisky.
However, in 2000, Seagram's empire came to an end when it was sold to Pernod Ricard. This change in ownership had implications for Caperdonich as well. Pernod Ricard, a company with its own portfolio of spirits brands, had different priorities and strategies than Seagram's. As a result, Caperdonich was mothballed in 2002, meaning that production ceased, and the distillery was closed.
The decision to mothball Caperdonich was likely influenced by various factors, including market demand, production costs, and the overall strategy of Pernod Ricard. While it is unfortunate that Caperdonich is no longer producing whisky, the closure of the distillery has created a sense of rarity and exclusivity around its remaining stocks.
Despite the closure, some independent bottlings of Caperdonich whisky have been released as single malts. These independent bottlings are highly sought after by whisky enthusiasts and collectors due to their limited availability and unique character.
As a sommelier, I have had the privilege of tasting a few independent bottlings of Caperdonich whisky. Each expression showcases the distillery's distinctive style, with notes of fruit, malt, and subtle hints of oak. The whiskies are typically well-balanced and offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship and artistry of Caperdonich's production methods.
Caperdonich whisky has changed hands multiple times throughout its history. It was initially owned by Seagram's, then sold to Pernod Ricard, who ultimately decided to mothball the distillery in 2002. While the closure of Caperdonich is unfortunate, it has created a sense of rarity and desirability around its remaining stocks. Whisky enthusiasts can still enjoy the unique character of Caperdonich through independent bottlings, which offer a glimpse into the distillery's craftsmanship and style.