Cardhu 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky Review and Tasting Notes

The Cardhu 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky is a velvety distillate, endowed with sharp fruit, great drinkability and silky smoothness. It is the classic bottle of the Cardhu distillery: drink easy, delicate and precise spices in the frame, pulpy fruit ranging from tropical to cooked apples, without ever falling into overcooked and then buttery and caramel notes. Flowers and herbaceous returns to give elegance to a single malt that does not dare much, but which does not disappoint from an alcoholic point of view: the structure is good. It has one flaw: it is not very aggressive, it is a bit bland overall, let’s say that the thickness is not the strongest.

Precisely for this extreme docility it is the classic single malt whisky that is recommended to those who are not expert drinkers, to those who are taking their first steps in the pindaric world of Sctoch. It is not a peaty dram, but there is a light wisp of smoke. You can say what you want about the Cardhu distillery, but the they have a clreal philosophy: even this entry-level product is clean and honest, especially if you consider the price really affordable for all budgets: maximum 35 EUR.

Organoleptic characteristics of Cardhu 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky

The bouquet is direct floral, with bright references of tropical fruit, oranges, honey, almonds and then the biscuit tone of the malt. Clean and straight floral and herbaceous kit, accompany with a graceful step. Few spices, the wood is there, slightly smoky with a drizzle of smoke, but it is not oxidized or marsala. Heather to no end, in pure Speyside style.

On the palate it flows straight, with good sweet-acid dynamics, never excessive, always measured, with alcohol dosed to lead to a herbaceous and woody finish where a touch of pepper emerges. It is not very complex, but it is not trivial either, the tropical fruit dominates, with a background of honey, almonds and vanilla to finish. Overall it is a discreet, dosed, subtle whisky, played on a delicate balance. It’s not shocking, but technically it’s clean and does the job.

Price of the Cardhu 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky

The beauty of this Speyside son is the very affordable price: 35-38 euros maximum. It is a simple distillate, but the price is well balanced.

Food Pairings

Spoon desserts, trifle, chocolate, salmon terrines, brisket and pulled pork chocolate salami, blueberry cheesecake, chocolate truffles.