Cardhu 21 Years Old

An official release of Cardhu, a 21 year old, from 1991, at 54.2%, 6000 bottles in all. Cardhu has made its soft Speyside malt above the Spey since 1824. Most of its make goes into Johnnie Walker, with a little bottled as single malt.

The spirit was drawn off three pairs of pear shaped stills, building the smooth Cardhu style. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed vanilla. Into oxidative maturity, slow air ingress builds fruity ethyl esters (apple and pear) and a honeyed depth. Years in oak round the spirit, the apple and pear deepening to honey. A gentle maturation suits the soft make, the fruit growing richer with time. Water comes from springs on Mannoch Hill and the Lyne Burn. It sits among the gentle hills above the River Spey near Archiestown. The Cumming family ran it for three generations before it passed to the Walkers. Cardhu's softness is what made it the heart of Johnnie Walker.

At its natural 54.2% it is concentrated. Honey, pear and a touch of nut, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Soft orchard fruit and honey sit behind the cask. It finishes smooth, sweet and approachable. This is a gentle, fruity Speyside malt of real charm.