Cardhu 9 Years Old 2016 Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland Commemorative (James Eadie)

The revived blender James Eadie bottled this Cardhu, a 9 year old, distilled in 2016, bottled at 52.4%, one of 659 bottles. Cardhu is the gentle, honeyed Speyside malt at the centre of Johnnie Walker. It was founded in 1824 by John Cumming, whose wife Helen ran it and flew a flag to warn of the excisemen.

The spirit was distilled from unpeated malt in pear shaped copper stills, for a soft, pear scented make. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, vanilla and honey under the fruit. At an extractive age eugenol lends a clove note and lactones a coconut, the spirit fresh, soft and fruity. Long ageing turns the fresh apple towards honey, dried fruit and a soft spice. Cardhu's softness is what made it the heart of Johnnie Walker. Water comes from springs on Mannoch Hill and the Lyne Burn. Cardhu is one of the most famous of the women built distilleries of Speyside. Most of its make goes into Johnnie Walker, with a little bottled as single malt.

Bottled at a cask strength 52.4%, it is rich. Baked apple, honey and cream, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A baked apple and a gentle spice lift it. The finish is soft, sweet and gently fruity. This is a light, honeyed Speyside single malt.