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Port Charlotte The Peat Project review
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Murray McDavid Bowmore 9 year old 2001 Port Casks review
September 12, 2014
Port Charlotte logo
Port Charlotte The Peat Project review
September 10, 2014
Murray McDavid independent whisky bottler logo
Murray McDavid Bowmore 9 year old 2001 Port Casks review
September 12, 2014

Cardhu 12 year old review

Cardhu 12 year old review

Cardhu 12 year old single malt is a Speysider matured in American bourbon casks. It has won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2011. According to The Whisky Exchange:

 “Cardhu is the biggest selling single malt whisky in Spain, with its soft, sweet character the perfect match for the warm climate.”

Established in 1811 by Helen Cumming as an underground distillery, Cardhu received its official license in 1824. It stands as a historic milestone, being the inaugural distillery to bear the mark of female leadership. In 1872, the reins of the distillery were passed to Elizabeth Cummings, who was not only a daughter-in-law of the founders but also played a crucial role in enhancing the flavor and identity of the whisky we savor today. This whisky brand surely embodies dedication and relentless determination.

BLESSED FRUIT in a bottle

Like Blessed Fruit the movie, Cardhu 12YO is a nice mix of sweet and sour. Emphasis definitely on the sweet side. It is like the main character Molly in Blessed Fruits fantasy skits, where she’s imagining what life could be.

A great reminder, that there’s life outside Islay. Even for a smokehead like me. Nicely smooth and sophisticated, but with a stunning alcohol feel in it.

Matured in:
Ex-Bourbon casks
ABV: 40%
Colour: Sunlight
Nose: Subtle and sweet. Like a rich fragrance of apples and pears. Nice notes of malted barley.
Taste: Apples and pears still dominate with barley in the back. Soft peat and very small hints of smoke.
Finish:Starts with sweet notes that turn into dryness. Wee smoke in a fast way.
Balance: Smooth and round, well in balance. Easy to drink. Sweetness and dryness meet nicely each other.

Cardhu 12Y Scoring

85
Nose:Taste:Finish:Balance:
23
22
19
21
Distillery: Cardhu
Cardhu 12 year old single malt with two whisky tumbler glasses

Edit 2023: With modern day whisky prices, I was surprised to find this set of Cardhu 12YO and two whisky tumbler glasses for 38 €.

Tasting glass set with Cardhu 12 year old single malt

Johannes Lindblom
Johannes Lindblom
Finnish whisky enthusiast and the author of WhiskyRant! A digital marketing professional by day – a whisky reviewer and informer by night.

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