Cardhu 18 Year Old

Floral, Nutty, Hay Like
2024-04-09

Cardhu is part of the core range of spirits giant Diageo. While the Cardhu 12 year old is one of the Classic Malts of Scotland, the 18 year old is rarely seen. Cardhu single malts are traditionally matured in ex-bourbon barrels and ex-sherry casks. By the way: the barley is said to be slightly peated.

Cardhu 18 Year Old (Preview Image Source: The Whisky Exchange)

Smell

On the nose, the Speysider opens heavy but not intense. Distinct woody flavours cover the lighter notes of light fruits such as pears and the hint of honey with vanilla that resonates. Floral nuances and a hint of peach or apricot can be sensed.

Taste

The Cardhu 18 year old is unfortunately a little weak on the chest. Soft and spicy dry, it has notes of oak, peach, avocado and honeydew melon. The Speysider is infused with a slight sweetness and some baking cocoa. The flavour profile is pleasantly mild, but the nose clearly promised us more here.

Finish

The finish is nicely tart and spicy.

Thoughts

Unfortunately, the Cardhu 18 year old does not deliver what you would expect from a single malt whisky matured for 18 years. The actually multi-layered flavours are kept rather narrow and are not transported very well due to the alcohol content of 40%, which is at the lower limit. It is also coloured and chill-filtered - a shame.

Rating: 75/100 - Very Good (Marcel: 73 | Sascha: 79)

Value for Money: 3/5 - Acceptable

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Preview Image Source: The Whisky Exchange

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