Cardhu Distillery Rolls Out Limited Edition Marking 200 Years
As part of its 200th anniversary celebration, Cardhu has released a limited-edition Scotch Whisky: Cardhu 200th Anniversary Wine Cask Edition Scotch Whisky. The Speyside-based distillery is commemorating its history and honoring its founders. In its first foray into wine casks, this 12-year-old single malt honors the distillery’s pursuit of innovation and defiance of convention.
Diageo’s Cardhu offers a flavor that many recognize that it’s an important addition to Johnnie Walker blends. While it doesn’t appear as often on this side of the pond as other Diageo brands like Lagavulin or Talisker, Cardhu does offer a flavor that many recognize.
On the nose, the Scotch has aromas of fresh berries, black currants, apple butter and icing, chocolate, and toffee. On the palate, berries are joined by cinnamon, Demerara sugar, dark chocolate, oak spice, and vanilla.
The History of Cardu Distillery – 200 Years of Whisky Making
“Cardhu has a history of pioneering women at its forefront, something unheard of when the distillery began 200 years ago,” says Roselyn Burnett, Cardhu Distillery brand home manager.
“It took innovation and courage to go against the grain in the way the Cumming family did, and with this in our heritage it was only right we did something bold to celebrate such an anniversary.”
Although John Cumming started the distillery, his wife Helen and daughter-in-law Elizabeth were mainly responsible for it. According to legends, Helen had a clear view of approaching police because of the distillery’s hilltop location. This aided them in staying afloat during a period when the making of whisky was illegal.
While the police drank their tea, Helen Cumming would fly a red flag outside to warn nearby distilleries. The 200th anniversary bottle shows Helen Cumming waving the red flag.
Thanks to their efforts, the world can savor some of the most distinct expressions in the world. The Cardhu 200th Anniversary whisky costs £58 (about $63) and is available at the distillery and retail outlets worldwide.
“As a perfect example of the Speyside style of whisky, it was exciting to work with our blending and distilling experts to create an adapted iteration of what people expect from our distillery while perfecting the liquid to ensure it retains those classic notes that people look for from Cardhu,” Burnett says.