woody malty
3.8
(10)
€30Scotland, Speyside, Single Malt

Flavours

Whisky character

Fresh
Warm
Mild
Full
Smooth
Spicy

Taste mentions

Facts

Cardhu Gold Reserve links Cardhu's gentle house style to the House Targaryen chapter of the Game of Thrones Collection. That crossover could have leaned on branding alone, but the whisky keeps a clear identity in the glass. Sweet apple and honey show up early, followed by toffee and soft oak. A touch of black pepper adds lift without turning sharp. The texture feels creamy and calm, with a rounded finish that stays malty. It works as a collectible for fans. It is also a dependable pour for drinkers who like elegant, fruit-led Scotch.

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ShopType Price
Gall & Gall
Gall & Gall
€30.49
Drankdozijn
Drankdozijn
€29.95

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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

22Whiskies on Distilld

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Speyside

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About the Cardhu Gold Reserve

Cardhu Gold Reserve is a single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside, Scotland. Cardhu distillery created this Game of Thrones House Targaryen release for fans and drinkers alike. The whisky is bottled at 40% ABV, which keeps the profile gentle and accessible. Its Speyside identity points to sweetness and fruit rather than heavy smoke. For online buyers, those keywords matter when comparing Speyside single malt options. Cardhu Gold Reserve stands out through its official place in The Game of Thrones Collection. The full product name makes the House Targaryen link clear on shelf and in search. That gives the bottle a collectible edge beyond standard single malt packaging. Cardhu still keeps the focus on approachable style, not novelty alone. Because it is tied to a named series, it is easy to identify quickly. In the glass, honey and caramel lead the first impression. Fresh apple and banana notes follow, backed by toffee sweetness. Floral hints and light anise add lift before oak and black pepper arrive. Cream and a slightly oily texture help those flavours stay connected. The finish remains sweet, gently spicy, and clearly malty. Notes of sugar and custard can appear as it sits in the glass. Cardhu Gold Reserve works well for people exploring single malt Scotch whisky without peat weight. It suits drinkers who want flavour detail without sharp alcohol heat. Cardhu gives this edition a familiar core, even with fantasy branding. If you want a collectible that still drinks with purpose, Cardhu Gold Reserve is a reliable choice. That balance makes repeat pours easier for newer Scotch drinkers. It is also an ideal gift for whisky lovers who enjoy limited themed releases.