Cardhu 12 Years
Until 1983, the distillery was called Cardow, named after a nearby village. Nowadays known as Cardhu (Gaelic: Black Rock), the distillery produces the significant share for the Johnnie Walker blends. Of course, there are also their own bottlings, of which we have the 12-years standard bottling in the glass today.The Cardhu 12 Single Malt Scotch Whisky belongs to the Classic Malts of Scotland and is supposed to represent the character of the Speyside region of Scotland.
Tasting Notes
Nose
On the nose, the whisky brings the classic notes of a Speysider: Vanilla, caramel, apple and honey are dominant, while some nutty flavours lie in the background.
Palate
We taste very old, very old oatmeal biscuits, which make us think of the Kinder Country commercial from the 90s. Woody, bitter notes resonate. Slowly and viscously, a little caramel can be perceived and, with a little imagination, hazelnuts can also be found. We don't find the fruitiness from the nose.
Finish
Slightly bitter, slightly woody and with something strange on the palate, the single malt finishes with some warming spiciness.
Thoughts
Marcel 56/100
For the price, the Cardhu 12 feels somewhat uninspired – the nose promises more than the palate delivers. Instead of an enjoyable dram, you get a confusing mix of flavors that remind you more of a blender than a Speyside. There are far more interesting alternatives out there, even within the standard range.
Sascha 64/100
The Cardhu 12 shows classic Speyside notes on the nose, but on the palate it lacks the expected harmony and depth; the flavors come across as unbalanced and somewhat diffuse. For a 12-years standard release, the structure feels rather flat, and the finish disappoints with an unpleasant bitterness. Those who value balance will find better single malts in this price segment.
Value for Money: Fair
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Why is Cardhu 12 years considered a typical Speyside whisky?
Cardhu 12 years is characterized by the classic traits of a Speyside whisky, such as notes of vanilla, caramel, and honey, along with a gentle fruitiness. These aromas reflect the region’s character, which is known for its smooth and well-balanced single malts.
How does the 12-year age influence the taste of Cardhu whisky?
With 12 years of maturation, Cardhu develops a balanced complexity: the vanilla and caramel notes are well matured, while woody and slightly bitter hints add depth. The age provides a harmonious balance between fruitiness and spice.
What role does Cardhu play in the Johnnie Walker blends?
Cardhu supplies a significant portion of the malt components for the Johnnie Walker blends. Its mild and sweet character contributes substantially to the balance and profile of these well-known blended whiskies.