Cardhu Gold Reserve – Game of Thrones ‘House Targaryen’

The Cardhu Gold Reserve was launched in 2014. I had the privilege of being invited to the release event in Brussel, but to be honest found it to be nothing more than a delicate aperitif style malt. The composition for this Games of Thrones release has not been altered, so it’s the same liquid in another bottle with a fancy label (and a higher price tag).

Very timid on the nose. A fruit salad of red apples and soft pears, sugared orange peel and toffee. Some nuts – make that marzipan – and potpourri. Butterscotch candy and a big floral note. Candy-sweet.

Very soft on the palate, even a bit weak. Citrus peel, caramel, a touch of pepper, menthol and a hint of cinnamon. Cedar wood? Cocoa? All very soft and little outspoken.

The finish, which is medium long with a soft peppery note, offers apples and almonds at the death.

Surely Daenerys deserved a more feisty dram than this middle-of-the-road whisky?

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