Review: Cardhu Single Malt
We haven't seen Cardhu's single malt in the states for a number of years. I'm pretty sure it was because nobody could pronounce the name correctly ("CAR-DOW"), so liquor store employees were forced to laugh hysterically at anyone who asked for "Card-Who?" as a matter of principal. It's back in the states now and we are luckier for it, so learn how to pronounce it here and now so we don't lose it again, ok?
Regardless of how hard it may be to get that name out of your mouth you really should make the effort to get some Cardhu in your mouth. I'm not ashamed to admit that I have a bit of a sweet tooth when it comes to....well, anything. But when I can find a nice respectable scotch that has to common decency to sweet talk me a bit before getting down to business, I'm really excited. Cardhu isn't candy, theres nothing syrupy or cloying about it, but in your nostrils and all the way up to your mouth you catch glimpses of maple and carmel that let you know everything is going to be alright.
The man behind the malt, John Cumming, bought a license for his distillery in 1824 after making in on the down-low for 13 years. According to the website:
Whenever the Excise officers passed by, Helen would disguise the mashing and fermenting as bread-making. Then, while the officers drank the tea she made for them, she would fly a red flag from the barn to warn their neighbours that revenue men were around.
Definitely worth a look.
Our Rating: 4 Burgundys Price: $44 www.malts.com
October 11th, 2011 - 22:45
I’ve been selling booze retail for 20 years, and drinking it for twice that long. Scotch is my fave, and Cardhu is my fave scotch. Thanks for letting me know how to pronounce it, now if I could only afford to buy it more often…