Cardhu 12 Years Old (43%)

Cardhu from the distillery, a 12 year old, at 43%. Cardhu was founded in 1824 by John and Helen Cumming on Speyside's Mannoch Hill. It sits among the gentle hills above the River Spey near Archiestown.

It was run through the distillery's pear shaped stills on Mannoch Hill water, giving the light, honeyed Speyside spirit. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the spirit. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin settling into a rounded vanilla as ethyl esters lend a riper apple. The pear shaped stills give a light spirit that ages with grace. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. Refill oak lets the light, honeyed Cardhu character lead the way. Water comes from springs on Mannoch Hill and the Lyne Burn. Its malt has been the heart of the Johnnie Walker blends ever since. Maturation in the gentle Speyside climate keeps the spirit smooth and honeyed.

At an approachable 43% it is soft and easy. A light, honeyed orchard fruit, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run apple, pear and a soft honey. Apple, honey and a soft oak see out the finish. This is an easy, approachable Speyside single malt.