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Cardhu 11 years

woody malty
3.5
(2)€93Scotland, Speyside, Single Malt

Flavours

Whisky character

Fresh
Warm
Mild
Full
Smooth
Spicy

Taste mentions

Facts

Cardhu sits above the River Spey, where Helen Cumming helped turn a hidden still into a legal distillery. That lineage still shows in this 2020 Special Release bottling. Virgin and refill American oak push harder against the house style than most Cardhu bottlings do. The spirit arrives bright and citric, with banana and orange zest riding a buttery spine. Ginger and spice snap through sweet malt and fresh fruit. Floral notes and coconut keep the pour lively at natural strength. Enjoy it neat and let the oily texture unfold slowly.

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The Whisky Exchange
The Whisky Exchange
700ml
€95.51 ( £82.5 )

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About the distillery

Distillery

Cardhu

The Cardhu Distillery is a small, family-run distillery located in the heart of Speyside, Scotland. It was founded in 1824 by Helen Cumming, one of the first women to operate a legal whisky distillery. Cardhu whisky is known for its sweet, fruity flavors, with notes of honey, vanilla, and apple. It is made using locally sourced malted barley and pure spring water from the Mannoch Hills, which gives it a distinct Speyside character. One interesting fact about Cardhu is that it was originally known as "Cardow" and was only changed to "Cardhu" in the late 19th century. The name "Cardow" comes from the Gaelic word for "black rock," which refers to the nearby hill that overlooks the distillery. Good to know is that Cardhu is a key component in Johnnie Walker blends, particularly the Gold Label Reserve and the Blue Label. In fact, in the early 20th century, Cardhu was so popular that it was sometimes referred to as "Johnnie Walker's Cardhu."

3.5Average rating

21Whiskies on Distilld

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Speyside

Most popular whiskies from Cardhu

About the Cardhu 11 years

Cardhu 11 years is a single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside. Bottled at natural cask strength for Diageo's Special Releases 2020. Cardhu sits in the hills above the River Spey in Scotland. A distillery shaped by Helen Cumming's move from smuggling to legal production. This expression breaks from the house norm with refill, virgin, and ex-bourbon American oak rather than gentle refill alone. Founded in the 1820s, Cardhu became a quiet but influential Speyside producer whose soft. Approachable spirit helped define the region's profile. The distillery overlooks woodland and farmland near Knockando, long associated with elegant, fruit-forward Speyside character. The Cumming family ran the site for generations before Diageo ownership, building a reputation for accessible single malt. Limited bottlings like Cardhu 11 years show a bolder side when virgin oak joins refill casks in the warehouse. On the nose, lemon and orange zest meet creamy vanilla, floral sweetness, and bright citrus. Fresh fruit, banana, and coconut add a tropical lift without losing the malty barley core. The palate feels buttery and oily, with ginger, spice, and gingerbread notes from the new oak influence. Sweet malt, herbal hints, and a grassy edge keep the dram lively rather than syrupy. Meaty cereal notes and barley sweetness underline the mid-palate as oak spice builds toward the finish. Cardhu 11 years drinks best neat, where the 56% strength lets citrus and spice stay crisp. The finish turns grassy and herbal, with lingering vanilla and a gentle warmth from the strength. If you know Cardhu mainly from lighter core expressions, this bottling reframes the familiar house style. Part of the Rare By Nature 2020 set, this Cardhu release rewards fans who want Speyside polish with extra bite. Searchers looking for Cardhu 11 years tasting notes will find a fruit-led. Spice-accented dram worth trying on its own.