One of the best single malts from the Speyside region of Scotland, a component of famous blends and winner of numerous awards.
Whiskey “Cardhu” among connoisseurs became famous as a “ladies’ drink”. The popular brand received such a “title” not only because of the soft, fragrant bouquet, but also because of the active participation of women in its creation and promotion.
The intervention of the ladies benefited the sophisticated scotch: Cardu drinks are highly valued not only at home, but also abroad.
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History of the Cardu brand
The first drops of the legendary whiskey (still unnamed at the time) were obtained in 1811 at the Cardow farm, located on Mannoch Hill, in the Spey Valley.
The name of the estate, pronounced only as “kardu”, later became the name of the drink. Like most local farmers, John Cumming and his wife Elena distilled illegally, so they were forced by hook or by crook to hide their activities from excise officers. At the same time, it is known that they sold drinks right from the window of their house.
In 1824, after a reduction in license fees, the three-time fined John Cumming finally registered his business.
In 1846, his son Lewis became the manager of the distillery, which significantly strengthened the reputation of the brand. Distillation at the plant did not stop from autumn to spring and stopped only in the summer, during farm work.
In 1872, after the death of Lewis, the affairs 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 malts.
At this time, a new distillery was built, which arranged production volumes. However, she soon ceased to cope with the ever-increasing demand.
In 1893, the Cardhu distillery was sold to John Walker & Sons, which successfully survived the difficult years (the collapse of the whiskey market, two wars, the oil crisis).
The brand is currently owned by the Diageo alcohol corporation.
Interesting Facts
They say that to warn neighbors about the arrival of the excise inspector, Elena Cumming hung a red flag on the house, and skillfully masked the traces of distillation, imitating kneading dough.
During the 20th century, the company changed its name several times from “Cardhu” to “Cardow” and vice versa.
For her outstanding contribution to the development of the family business, Elizabeth Cumming was nicknamed the “Queen of Whiskey”. The agreement signed between her and John Walker on the dominant role of Cardhu whiskey in the blends of the world brand is still valid.
single malt whiskey
Types of Whiskey Cardu
Gold Reserve
A smooth, layered amber gold malt with a rich texture.
Taste: crispy, 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
An aromatic drink of pure amber color, starting with fresh citrus tones, smoothly turning to a deep vanilla-chocolate center and finishing with a rounded spicy-creamy sweetness.
Tasting in its pure form, with ice, water, Parma ham, ripe figs.
12 Year Old
One of the best tapes in the collection. Seductive, bright, honey-gold drink with a silky texture, filled with intoxicating sweetness and delicate fruitiness.
Main notes: pear, honey, resin, heather, nuts, smoke. It is especially good in its pure form and with ice.
15 Year Old
Elegant whiskey of deep golden color with a delicate, rich fruity-spicy aroma and a light oaky-smoky aftertaste.
Finish: dry, smooth, with notes of cocoa, toffee, burnt sugar and creme brulee.
Good in its pure form and in combination with fruit pastries, dark chocolate.
18 Year Old
A mature, sophisticated copper-colored scotch with a refined fruity character and a smooth texture. Taste: rich, sweet, buttery, with a light and lively acidity.
Main notes: gooseberry, pear, plum, cherry, rosehip.
Finish: complex, long, dry, with hints of cocoa. It opens best neat or with a little water.
whiskey cocktails
Relevance: 31.05.2019
Tags: Whiskey and bourbon, Whiskey brands