Speyside’s Cardhu Distillery has begun its 200th anniversary year celebrations with an International Women’s Day event celebrating ‘the pioneering women of Cardhu’s past and present’ – and the release of limited-edition bottling created and inspired by the innovative women at its core.
The anniversary expression is a first-of-its-kind for the distillery having been matured solely in ex-wine casks, a process which was led by Diageo whisky specialists and the Cardhu distilling team.
Created to reflect ‘the bold spirit, innovation and courage’ which is threaded through Cardhu’s history, most prominently by its original female pioneers, Helen and Elizabeth Cumming, the unusual maturation of the anniversary dram is said to mirror a tale of defying traditions and pushing boundaries, just as the Cumming women did over two centuries ago during the days of illicit distilling.
“The subtle cinnamon spice of Cardhu is balanced in this new bottle by bold bursts of red berries and blackcurrant from the wine casks, while maintaining a smooth, silky and roundness of palette, creating a brave and unexpected twist on the liquid which has been enjoyed for 200 years,” said the distillery’s tasting notes.
“On the nose fresh berries and blackcurrants are first to the forefront along with warm baked apple and icing sugar. Swirls of dark chocolate come through after a few moments which slowly progress into velvety toffee, a nod to the sweet and caramelly dram people expect from Cardhu.
“On the palate, you are immediately met by powerful layers of sweetness. Red berries build with cinnamon spice, demerara sugar and dark chocolate. Gentle oak spice and vanilla become more pronounced giving an extremely silky mouthfeel and a strong warming finish.”
The packaging of the 200-year commemorative edition depicts Helen Cumming waving the red flag she used to signal for her neighbours to hide their illicit stills from the approaching authorities.
Cardhu Distillery brand home manager, Roselyn Burnett, said: “Cardhu has a history of pioneering women at its forefront, something unheard of when the distillery began 200 years ago. It took innovation and courage to go against the grain in the way the Cumming family did, and with this in our heritage it was only right we did something bold to celebrate such an anniversary.
“As a perfect example of the Speyside style of whisky, it was exciting to work with our blending and distilling experts to create an adapted iteration of what people expect from our distillery, while perfecting the liquid to ensure it retains those classic notes which people look for from Cardhu.
“As one of the few places in the world to stock this limited release, we’re looking forward to welcoming guests who have made the journey to visit us and buy a bottle, be that from Elgin or Ecuador.”
Eve Murphy, the whisky specialist who led on the development of this special release and panel expert, added: “Myself and the team at Cardhu have worked hard to make the 200-year-anniverary bottle something which speaks to the inspiring example which Helen and Elizabeth set two centuries ago. Never afraid to test boundaries, the women who were, and remain a huge part of Cardhu have once again achieved something special with this beautiful red-wine-cask edition.”
