Cardhu 11 year old Special Release 2020 Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml

Cardhu 11 Year Old Special Release 2020 Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL

Part of the limited-edition Diageo Cardhu 11 year old Special Release for 2020, Cardhu 11 Year Old offers a bold and vibrant expression of Speyside’s famed distillery. Bottled at cask strength, this 56% ABV single malt delivers a rich, multi-layered flavor profile, combining fruity sweetness with warm spices and subtle oak influences.

Aged for 11 years, this special release showcases the distinctive elegance of Cardhu, with a more intense and lively twist that will captivate whisky lovers and collectors alike.

• Brand: Cardhu
• Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Age: 11 Years
• Volume: 700mL
• ABV: 56.0% (Cask Strength)
• Edition: 2020 Special Release
• Region: Speyside, Scotland

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Aromas of baked apples, ripe pears, and honeyed sweetness with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.
• Palate: A rich burst of orchard fruits, caramelized sugar, and toffee, balanced with spicy notes of nutmeg and oak.
• Finish: Long and warming, with a lingering combination of sweet malt and dry spices.

Key Features:

• Limited-Edition Release: Part of Diageo’s highly sought-after 2020 Special Releases, making it a must-have for collectors.
• Cask Strength: Bottled at an intense 56% ABV, delivering a powerful and full-bodied whisky experience.
• Speyside Character: Showcases the elegant and fruity style of Cardhu, with added depth and complexity from its unique maturation process.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Ideal for sipping neat to savor its depth or adding a few drops of water to unlock more nuanced flavors.

Other reviews… The nose is lightly floral, with pears and ripe peaches, followed by red apple with a light sprinkling of white pepper. The palate is creamy and very sweet, with more orchard fruits and a little spice. The medium-length finish is slightly drying, with some lightly spiced oak. 88 points – whiskyadvocate.com

… This will probably be the opposite of the 18. As I may have said earlier, and even if they do some odd (light) finishings here and there from time to time, I have the impression that Diageo are willing to let their distillates shine, rather than push ‘wood’ as others have been doing for at least ten years. After all, they’re distillers, not cabinetmakers. Loud applause at Château Whiskyfun, of course. Colour: light gold. Nose: very citric, slightly acid (remember acid drops?), and pretty terrific, I think. I’m reminded of those pale Rosebanks ‘Rare Malts’ that were so superb, and just love this nervous, tart, restless profile.

Limoncello, hops, sourdough, there. With water: malt, cake, croissants, scones, lemon marmalade. Good continental breakfast. Mouth (neat): anybody who would have said this is Cardhu should be knighted in the Order of the Garter. Pure, luminous, citrusy, tense arrival, with a sweeter, rounder development on acacia honey. It’s not complex, but it’s perfect. With water: back on Rosebank, really. Life without sherry is a good life too. Finish: medium, pure, simple and superb, on more limoncello and some good beer. Comments: have to check the prices. This year’s line-up with the SRs is maybe not spectacular ‘on the paper’, but the cask selection is top-notch in my opinion. 89 points – whiskyfun.com