Cardhu 2006 14 Year Old Whisky Special Releases 2021 55.5%

Cardhu 2006 14 Year Old Special Releases 2021 55.5%

Official Tasting Notes

Nose: The mild nose is fresh and lightly fruity, as gentle aromas of white grape and lychee frolic with sharper hints of green apple, pear and a trace of orange zest, all enrobed by a hint of buttery pastry. Rising above these, a light spicy note reveals more of the wine-seasoned wood. A drop of water introduces a light note of meadow flowers, which become distinctly honeyed with time.

Palate: A soft, creamy-smooth and quite full texture, the sweet taste suggesting home-made toffees. Soon, that taste becomes more fragrant and hints of Parma violets, a note further enriched by winey red apple and pear fruit and made more appetising still by crisp, clean oak. A dash of water softens it to a delightful creamy-sweet freshness, leaving just a hint of spice.

Finish: Short, sweet, clean and warming, with lingering perfume in the aftertaste. With water smoother still, as a warming pinch of white pepper appears, while there is a final burst of green apple in the aftertaste.

Cardu is an attractive Speyside distillery sited on the banks of the river Spey near Archiestown, Moray in Scotland. The distillery was founded by John and Helen Cummings in 1811 and production became legal in 1824. After John Cummings passed away in 1846 his wife Helen then took sole charge. Their daughter Elizabeth eventually followed in their footsteps to run and rebuilt the distillery until it was bought in the late 1800’s by John Walker and son. Then in 1930 Cardhu was sold to Distillers Company Ltd. A statue of Helen outside the distillery installed by current owners Diageo pays homage to all her efforts.  
The majority of Cardhu whisky is used in the famous Johnnie Walker blend and a much smaller proportion is sold as Cardhu single malt. Interestingly to keep up with such high demand for its own whisky Cardhu ‘Pure Malt’ was created which was a vatting of single malts from both Cardhu and other distilleries. In 2004 the making of ‘Pure Malt’ ceased and a year later a 12 year old Cardhu was brought to market instead. There is a great core range consisting of three age statements and one none age statement. There are also various popular limited releases appearing to look out for.