Cardhu whiskey: history, overview of taste and types
One of the best single malt from the Speyside region of Scotland, a component of famous blends and winner of numerous awards.
Cardhu whiskey has become famous among connoisseurs as a "ladies' drink". The popular brand received this "title" not only because of its soft, fragrant bouquet, but also because of the active participation of women in its creation and promotion.
The ladies' intervention has done the elegant scotch good: Cardu drinks are highly valued not only at home but also abroad.
History of the Cardu brand
The first drops of the legendary whiskey (still unnamed at the time) were produced in 1811 at the Cardow farm, located on Mannoch Hill in the Spey River Valley.
The name of the estate, pronounced "cardu", later became the name of the drink. Like most of the local farmers, John Cumming and his wife Helen were engaged in illegal distilling, so they had to hide their activities from excise officers by all means. It is known that they sold drinks directly from the window of their house.
In 1824, after the license fee was reduced, John Cumming, who had been fined three times, finally registered his company.
In 1846, his son Lewis took over the distillery and significantly strengthened the brand's reputation. Distillation at the plant did not stop from fall to spring and stopped only in the summer, during farm work.
In 1872, after the death of Lewis, the business passed into the hands of his wife Elizabeth. She not only registered the Car-Dhu brand, but also made it famous all over the world.
The 80s were especially successful for the family business, when the growing popularity of blends led to an increase in demand for classic single malt spirits.
At this time, a new distillery was built, which arranged the production volumes. However, it soon ceased to cope with the ever-growing demand.
In 1893, the Cardhu distillery was sold to John Walker & Sons, as part of which it has successfully survived difficult years (the collapse of the whiskey market, two wars, the oil crisis).
Currently, the brand is owned by the alcohol corporation Diageo.
Interesting facts
It is said that to warn her neighbors about the arrival of the excise inspector, Elena Cumming hung a red cloth on the house, and skillfully disguised the traces of smoking by imitating the kneading of dough.
During the 20th century, the company changed its name several times from "Cardhu" to "Cardow" and back again.
Elizabeth Cumming was nicknamed the "Queen of Whiskey" for her outstanding contribution to the development of the family business. The agreement signed between it and John Walker on the dominant role of Cardhu whiskey in the blends of the global brand is still in force.
Types of Cardu whiskey
Gold Reserve
Smooth, multi-layered amber-gold colored malt with a rich texture.
Taste: crisp, dry, with notes of dark chocolate, toffee, citrus zest.
Aroma: soft, fresh, with hints of apple and sweet fruit. Finish: warming, salty, with sharp notes of menthol, velvety tones of cocoa, hints of herbs, almonds and apples.
Ideal as an aperitif, neat, with water or ice.
Amber Rock
A fragrant drink of pure amber color, starting with fresh citrus tones, smoothly moving to a deep vanilla-chocolate center and finishing with a rounded spicy creamy sweetness.
Tasted neat, with ice, water, Parma ham, ripe figs.
12 Years Old
One of the best scotches in the collection. A seductive, bright, honey-golden drink with a silky texture, filled with heady sweetness and delicate fruitiness.
Main notes: pear, honey, resin, heather, nuts, smoke. Especially good neat and on the rocks.
15 Years Old
Elegant whiskey of deep golden color with a delicate, rich fruity and spicy aroma and a light oak and smoky aftertaste.
Aftertaste: dry, smooth, with notes of cocoa, toffee, burnt sugar and creme brulee.
Good neat and in combination with fruit pastries, bitter chocolate.
18 Years Old
A mature, refined copper-colored scotch with a delicate fruity character and smooth texture. Taste: rich, sweet, oily, with light and lively acidity.
Main notes: gooseberry, pear, plum, cherry, rosehip.
Aftertaste: complex, long, dry, with notes of cocoa. Best enjoyed neat or with a little water.
Update: 31.05.2019
Category: Whiskey and Bourbon