Cardhu 14yo is a fabulous 14 year old Cardhu single malt Scotch whisky, presented as part of Diageo’s 2021 Special Releases. This expression was initially aged in refill American oak casks, but following that, it was treated to a finishing period in red wine casks. This has helped to impart a subtle red fruit sweetness to the whisky, while keeping the Cardhu character at its core. Big ol’ tree on the label, too, tying into the ‘Legends Untold’ theme of the 2021 Special Releases.

Distilled in 2006, this 14-year-old Cardhu single malt was initially matured in refill American oak casks and finished in ex-red wine casks, before being bottled as part of the Diageo 2021 Special Releases. Aromas of white grape, lychee, tart green apple, orange zest and buttery pastries mingle with meadow flowers, honey and tannic oak on the nose. The palate offers notes of toffee, Parma violets, red apple, spicy oak, white pepper and green apple that linger in the finish.

Nose: fairly mild and pleasant, with a sweetness of butter pastry in the back, a big malty middle and a piercing floral note in the foreground. Waxy lemons, crisp green apple and hints of white grapes. As time goes on, the fruits shift towards red apples and berries. Hints of caramel and subtle nutmeg too.

Mouth: sweet, creamy and spicy. Candy apples, stewed plums and poached pears. Slightly artificial strawberry candy. A good dose of caramel sweets too. More floral notes, as well as subtle herbs which later become grassy notes. Oak spice sets in, mainly clove and cinnamon, with a peppery kick.

Finish: not too long, still quite sweet and candied, with toffee and white pepper.

Cardhu produces solid drams that never seem to stand out much. Even the red wine finish (often tricky) doesn’t really change that view. If you like sweet and spicy whisky, check it out. Still available from The Whisky Exchange or Loch Fyne and plenty of local stores.