Cardhu is a Speyside distillery near Archiestown, Morayshire, Scotland, founded by the whisky smuggler John Cumming in 1824. The distillery is currently run by Diageo and the distillery's whisky makes up an important part of the famous Johnnie Walker blended whiskies.
The distillery was set up by John Cumming, who had previously been a whisky smuggler, in 1824. The distillery was sited high up on Mannoch Hill, above the River Spey due to the peat softening the water. The distillery started as farm distillery working on a seasonal basis after the harvest had been gathered. The distillery was mainly run by his wife, Helen Cumming, who used to sell bottles of whisky to passers-by through the window of their farmhouse.
In 1960 the distillery's still-house, mash-house and tun-room were rebuilt, and in 1970 steam coils were introduced to heat the stills and the number of stills was increased to six. Spring water from Mannoch Hill started to be mixed with water from the local Lynne burn to supply the increased production of the distillery..
Cardhu Gold Reserve.
Master Blender Matthew Crow has carefully selected casks to create a mouth-wateringly sweet, rich and mellow single malt whisky.
A smooth, beautifully structured and well-paced Speyside malt with a rich texture and a balance of sweet fruit, dark chocolate, toffee and spice.
Technical Details
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Rich amber, in sunlight becoming antique gold.
Nose: Shy and soft at first, and beautifully smooth: fresh, yet also mellow. Tinned fruit salad, with waxy red apple skins.
Body: Medium to light bodied, fluid and smooth in texture.
Palate: Bigger flavours and drier than the nose suggests, with its initial sweetness cut by crisp orange zest followed by a subtle mineral dryness.
Finish: Tangy hints of menthol with velvety cocoa tannins and a grassy herbal note. Faint hints of almonds and apples follows a light saltiness.
Awards
2015 Silver Outstanding Medal Winner - International Wine & Spirits Competition
