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Cardhu 14 years

malty woody
3.7
(3)€130Scotland, Speyside, Single Malt

Flavours

Whisky character

Fresh
Warm
Mild
Full
Smooth
Spicy

Taste mentions

Facts

Cardhu was built by the Cumming family in 1824. Helen Cumming famously sold whisky through her farmhouse window and hid the stills from taxmen. Two centuries on, the distillery is the beating heart of the Johnnie Walker blend. Released in 2021, this 14 year old bottling was matured in refill American oak. It was then finished in red wine casks. That finish gives it a soft, perfumed twist. Expect orchard apple and bright citrus, with custard, cream and a marzipan sweetness underneath. There is a curious floral note of Parma violets too. Pour it neat and let the fruit unfold slowly.

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ShopType Price
Drankdozijn
Drankdozijn
700mlOut of stock
€129.95

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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

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About the Cardhu 14 years

Cardhu 14 years is a single malt Scotch whisky from the Cardhu distillery in Speyside, Scotland. Bottled in 2021 for Diageo's Special Releases, it arrives at a natural cask strength of 55.5%. This is a generous, fruit-forward dram with real character. The story behind Cardhu is one of the best in Scotland. The distillery was founded in 1824 by the Cumming family on Mannoch Hill. Helen Cumming ran the early trade herself. She sold whisky and waved a red flag to warn neighbours when the taxmen came near. Her daughter-in-law Elizabeth later rebuilt and grew the site. In time, Cardhu became the heart malt of the Johnnie Walker blend. This particular Cardhu 14 years spent its early life in refill American oak. It was then finished in red wine casks. These lend a soft, perfumed quality you do not always find in Speyside. The result is light on its feet yet full of flavour. The nose opens with fresh fruit, green apple and orange marmalade. Floral notes and a touch of malty pastry lift it. The palate is sweet and creamy, with custard, vanilla and ripe orchard fruit. A marzipan sweetness sits alongside dried fruit and gentle woody spice. There is even a whisper of Parma violets on the close. At this strength, the whisky rewards patience. Sip it neat and let it settle in the glass. A little air coaxes out more of the fruit. Few Speyside malts carry this much history in every pour.