This year, Speyside Scotch maker Cardhu commemorates its 200th anniversary. To celebrate its history and founders, the distillery has unveiled a limited-edition expression: Cardhu 200th Anniversary Wine Cask Edition Scotch Whisky. A 12-year-old single malt aged in former wine casks, a first for the brand, the bottle memorializes how the distillery defied traditions and pushed boundaries.
Though started by whisky smuggler John Cumming, his wife Helen and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Cumming were mainly responsible for the distillery. As the story goes, in the age of illicit distilling, the distillery’s location atop a hill allowed Hellen to see police coming. She would then throw flour on herself, tell the police she was baking, and offer them tea. While the police drank their tea, she would fly a red flag outside to warn nearby distilleries. The 200th anniversary bottle's packaging depicts Helen Cumming waving the red flag. The bright red and golds of the box and bottle mimic the deep color of the wine-cask whisky.
Courtesy of Cardhu
On the nose, the Scotch offers aromas of fresh berries and blackcurrants along with warm baked apples and icing, chocolate, and toffee. The palate features more berries along with cinnamon, Demerara sugar, and dark chocolate, followed by oak spice and vanilla. The finish is long and warm.
“Cardhu has a history of pioneering women at its forefront, something unheard of when the distillery began 200 years ago,” says Roselyn Burnett, Cardhu Distillery brand home manager. “It took innovation and courage to go against the grain in the way the Cumming family did, and with this in our heritage it was only right we did something bold to celebrate such an anniversary."
While Cardhu isn’t seen on this side of the pond as much as other Diageo brands like Lagavulin or Talisker, the brand offers a flavor that many recognize—because it happens to be an important addition to beloved Johnnie Walker blends.
“As a perfect example of the Speyside style of whisky, it was exciting to work with our blending and distilling experts to create an adapted iteration of what people expect from our distillery, while perfecting the liquid to ensure it retains those classic notes which people look for from Cardhu,” Burnett says.
The Cardhu 200th Anniversary whisky is priced at £58 (about $63) and can be purchased at the distillery or from various retailers across the globe.
Related: The 15 Best Scotch Whiskies of 2024
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