Cardhu 14 Year Old Diageo Special Releases 2019

Cardhu in the heart of Speyside is also called the Spiritual Home of Johnnie Walker, because 70% of the production goes into that famous blend. It’s only the second appearance of Cardhu in the Special Releases. The first time was in 2005 with a 22 years old expression. Now it returns in a much younger version with an Amontillado finish.

Fresh and fruity nose on banana, peach, cherries, pears and baked apples with some cinnamon. There is a lovely floral side to it. Think chamomile and fruit tea. It is quasi impossible not to like this. Spring in your glass!

It is pretty feisty on the palate, thanks to the cask strength. Lots of pepper with a bitter edge. Quinine, nuts, yellow and orange fruit. Softly drying. And again that floral note. It dances on the tongue.

The finish is somewhat short, but feisty on spices. It dries gently.

I confess, I’ve never been duly impressed by Cardhu. This one does not blow me away, but it certainly is the best Cardhu by far that I have tried to date.

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