Cardhu
12 Years Old
- 40
- 12 Years Old
- 70cl
- Taste: 3
- Speyside
Cardhu comes from one of the oldest of the Speyside distilleries, which have nestled in foothills near the River Spey for 200 years. Founded by John Cumming and his wife Helen in 1824, the Cardhu range is an excellent representation of Speyside whiskies - smooth and sweet-natured single malts. Helen mainly ran the distillery, playing a crucial role in selling whisky from the family farm and assisting in the distillation...
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Cardhu comes from one of the oldest of the Speyside distilleries, which have nestled in foothills near the River Spey for 200 years. Founded by John Cumming and his wife Helen in 1824, the Cardhu range is an excellent representation of Speyside whiskies - smooth and sweet-natured single malts.
Helen mainly ran the distillery, playing a crucial role in selling whisky from the family farm and assisting in the distillation process. Situated on a hill, the farm distillery allowed Helen to spot the police approaching. She would then throw flour on herself and claim she was baking bread to mask the smell of whisky. Helen would also offer the officers tea and raise a flag outside, signalling to other nearby distilleries to take quick action.
Today, Cardhu is owned by Diageo, the world’s largest drinks company.
Light, enticing and silky smooth, this is the quintessential Cardhu. Glowing with notes of golden honey and delicate, fruity character.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose - At full strength, heady, nose prickle, pear drops and tightly integrated heather, resin and sweet honey-nut notes. Enticing. Intriguing. With a little water, still harmonious but less pronounced. Allows some malt cereal, soft, spicy wood, moorland and faint traces of wood-smoke to appear.
Body - Soft, pleasing and medium bodied.
Palate - Well balanced, smooth mouthfeel; short punch, sweet and fresh, then a pronounced drying effect. Moorish. Enjoyable at any time, with little or no water.
Finish - Lingering sweet smoke in the attractive, drying aftertaste.
Helen mainly ran the distillery, playing a crucial role in selling whisky from the family farm and assisting in the distillation process. Situated on a hill, the farm distillery allowed Helen to spot the police approaching. She would then throw flour on herself and claim she was baking bread to mask the smell of whisky. Helen would also offer the officers tea and raise a flag outside, signalling to other nearby distilleries to take quick action.
Today, Cardhu is owned by Diageo, the world’s largest drinks company.
Light, enticing and silky smooth, this is the quintessential Cardhu. Glowing with notes of golden honey and delicate, fruity character.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose - At full strength, heady, nose prickle, pear drops and tightly integrated heather, resin and sweet honey-nut notes. Enticing. Intriguing. With a little water, still harmonious but less pronounced. Allows some malt cereal, soft, spicy wood, moorland and faint traces of wood-smoke to appear.
Body - Soft, pleasing and medium bodied.
Palate - Well balanced, smooth mouthfeel; short punch, sweet and fresh, then a pronounced drying effect. Moorish. Enjoyable at any time, with little or no water.
Finish - Lingering sweet smoke in the attractive, drying aftertaste.
Tasting Rating Guide
1: Light, good for beginners - an aperitif on a summers day, i.e. Glengoyne, Auchentoshan
2: Also good for beginners but with more depth and body - a little stronger than 1, ie. Glenmorangie, Speyburn
3: A dram for everyone, a little more complex so the palate requires a little more experience, i.e. Cragganmore, Macallan
4: A stronger spirit, a big whisky with lots of character and body, excellent after dinner, i.e. Lagavulin, Laphroaig