Cardhu 18 Years
Cardhu is part of the core range of spirits giant Diageo. While the Cardhu 12 Years is one of the Classic Malts of Scotland, the 18 years 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.
The panel
Mean 76.0 · spread 6
Value for money 3/5
- Distillery
- Cardhu
- Type
- Single Malt
- Region
- Speyside
- Country
- Scotland
- Age
- 18 years
- Strength
- 40% ABV
- Character
- floral
Tasting
Nose
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.
Palate
The Cardhu 18 years 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.
Verdicts
Marcel
The Cardhu 18 Years has charm, but it comes across as somewhat reserved and tame – it lacks the promised depth one expects from such an aged malt. It’s fine for a relaxed evening, but not a dramatic experience. A pity, as it could have been infused with more passion.
Sascha
The Cardhu 18 Years presents itself with a clean structure, yet the 40% ABV and chill filtration noticeably mute the aromatics. The balance between wood, fruit, and spice is there, but overall it remains too flat and insufficiently complex for an 18-years Speysider.
What it is worth
We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Cardhu as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.
Latest mean bid £86 across 83 lots · 2024-08