Cardhu Diageo Special Releases 2005 22 Years Old 1982

This official Cardhu, a 22 year old, from 1982, at 57.8%, 3600 bottles in all. Cardhu is one of the few distilleries shaped by women, and the home of Johnnie Walker. It runs three wash and three spirit stills, all of a pear shape.

The spirit was distilled from unpeated malt in pear shaped copper stills, to build a gentle, fruity character. First fill bourbon gave a fuller vanilla and a touch of coconut. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a drying structure while oxidation builds a richer, honeyed fruit. The pear shaped stills give a light spirit that ages with grace. Long ageing turns the fresh apple towards honey, dried fruit and a soft spice. Water comes from springs on Mannoch Hill and the Lyne Burn. The light spirit was built for the blender's art, easy and approachable. Years in oak round the spirit, the apple and pear deepening to honey. It was rebuilt and expanded by Elizabeth Cumming, the Queen of the Whisky Trade, who sold it to John Walker and Sons in 1893.

At a hearty 57.8% it carries real weight. A light, honeyed orchard fruit, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is gentle and sweet, the soft spirit shining through. It finishes smooth, sweet and approachable. This is a light, honeyed Speyside single malt.