Cardhu 5 Years Old

Cardhu from the distillery, a 5 year old, at 40%. Cardhu is a soft, sweet Speyside single malt distilled near Archiestown since 1824. Its soft, sweet make was built for easy drinking and for the heart of a blend.

It was distilled in pear shaped stills for a soft, sweet spirit, building the smooth Cardhu style. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the spirit. Young and extractive, the cask sheds vanillin (vanilla) and toasted sugars (light caramel) over soft fruit. Refill oak lets the light, honeyed Cardhu character lead the way. Cardhu's softness is what made it the heart of Johnnie Walker. A 2003 plan to sell a vatted malt under the Cardhu name caused an industry outcry, and was reversed. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation in the Cardhu warehouses. The distillery was known as Cardow until 1981, when it took the name Cardhu.

Reduced to 40%, it is mellow. A light, honeyed orchard fruit, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The texture is soft and smooth, the fruit lifted by vanilla. The finish is soft, sweet and gently fruity. This is Cardhu's gentle, honeyed Speyside style.