Cardhu 14 Year Old came out in Diageo's 2021 Special Releases under the title "The Scarlet Blossoms of Black Rock". Distilled in 2006, it was finished in red wine casks and bottled at cask strength, 55.5% ABV, without chill filtration.
About This Whisky
2021 was the first year of the "Legends Untold" theme, with each label telling a story tied to the distillery's surroundings; Cardhu means "black rock" in Gaelic. The whisky spent most of its 14 years in refill American oak, which keeps the distillery's light fruit to the fore, before a finishing period in red wine casks that adds a soft red-berry tone and a pinkish tint. Reviewers often pick out an unusual Parma violet note.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Green apple, pear, white grape and heather honey, with orange zest and a perfumed violet lift
- Palate: Creamy and fairly light for its strength, with candied apple, poached pear, red berries, toffee and clove
- Finish: Medium-long, with stone fruit, toffee and a pinch of white pepper
Serving & Food
Try it neat in a copita, then with a few drops of water, which brings a creamier texture and more red fruit. Duck breast with cherries, a charcuterie board or a berry pavlova all work.
How to Enjoy
Drinkers who enjoy fruity, floral Speyside with a light wine-cask touch.
Product Details
Category: Single malt Scotch whisky
Brand: Cardhu
Distillery: Cardhu Distillery
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age Statement: 14 years
Distilled: 2006
Release: Diageo Special Releases 2021 (Legends Untold)
Cask: Refill American oak, finished in red wine casks
ABV: 55.5% ABV
Format: 700mL
About the Distillery
Cardhu began as an illicit still on the Cumming family farm at Cardow, above the Spey near Knockando, and was licensed in the 1820s. Helen Cumming and later her daughter-in-law Elizabeth ran the business, and Elizabeth rebuilt the distillery in 1884. John Walker & Sons bought it in 1893.
Today Diageo owns it, and Cardhu remains a core malt in Johnnie Walker. Bottled on its own, it is known for a light, grassy, pear-and-honey character.