Cardhu Rare Malts Selection 27 Years Old 1973

An official release of Cardhu, a 27 year old, from 1973, at 60.02%. Cardhu was founded in 1824 by John and Helen Cumming on Speyside's Mannoch Hill. It was founded in 1824 by John Cumming, whose wife Helen ran it and flew a flag to warn of the excisemen.

Run through the distillery's pear shaped stills on Mannoch Hill water, to build a gentle, fruity character. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the spirit. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a drying structure while oxidation builds a richer, honeyed fruit. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, vanilla and honey to the fore. It runs three wash and three spirit stills, all of a pear shape. 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 60.02%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. Apple, pear and a soft vanilla, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is smooth, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. The finish runs gentle, fruity and easy. This is a gentle, fruity Speyside malt of real charm.