
April 17, 2017

Mrs. and Mr. Cardhu

Cardhu’s not very well known in the world, possibly because the Spaniards and the French seem to be quaffing it all. I remember well the ‘white labels’ in the late 1970s, you could find them in posh bars alongside Glenfiddich.

Cardhu 'Special Cask Reserve' (40%, OB, batch # Cs/cR.12.14, 2012)

The first batches back in 2007 had been pretty okay in my opinion. Soft and very easy. Colour: gold. Nose: there’s a flowery/nutty character at first, then rather cereals and cake, with a little honeyed apple pie. Rather nice touches of stewed rhubarb and freshly squeezed oranges. Mouth: sweetly malty at first, then all on apple pie and tarte and even cider. Same notes of rhubarb as well, and a little vanilla cream. Finish: rather short, but pleasant. I really like these notes of rhubarb pie with a lot of meringue. Some white chocolate and butterscotch too. Comments: totally ‘access category’ malt whisky, good for beginners – but we’ve all known beginners that had started their careers with some peat bombs. SGP:541 - 79 points.

Cardhu 18 yo (40%, OB, +/-2016)

There’s more sherry in this older Cardhu than in the regular 12. I had really enjoyed the first batches, quite a few years ago (WF 83). Colour: deep gold. Nose: I find it quite complex, with walnuts and roasted almonds at first, then rather overripe apples and other slightly acidic fruits, such as kiwis and greengages, as well as orange blossom. Then toasted brioche and some classic maltiness, with a few baked raisins (our beloved Alsatian kougelhopf) and a drop of coffee. Mouth: more sherry this time, with sour raisins and more walnut wine, then ripe kiwis again, and a honeyed/malty unfolding that goes towards dry roasted coffee beans and black chocolate. Black tobacco. This is a style that would be interesting at cask strength. Say 50% vol. Finish: medium, even drier. More coffee beans, black tea, and walnuts. Comments: a very fine Speysider, firmer than people usually think. I even find a Cragganmore-y side to it. Off you go, one more point! The Cask Reserve was rounder and sweeter – and easier. SGP:451 - 84 points.

Check the index of all Cardhu I've tasted so far