Cardhu 14 Year (2019 Special Release)

Aroma (neat): Grainy cereal, quite sharp and 'bright' with a young, yeasty character. Some dusty notes on the edges, like sawdust or grain storage dust. The alcohol strength masks the aroma, but faint notes of lemon peel and sea salt manage to come through. Aroma (with water): Similar but less intense. Dilution does release a cloud of floral notes that aren't entirely pleasant, reminding me of floral-scented bathroom soap. Taste (neat): A bittersweet/sour grassy cereal entry with some lemon zest. The development (which is quite sudden and distinct) introduces sweeter fruity notes, like stewed orchard and stone fruits (pears, peaches, apricots). The texture is unremarkable. Taste (with water): Similar to the aroma, the taste loses some definition and presence when diluted, gaining a prominent soapy floral character. Finish: Medium/Sudden. An unusual finish – the palate suggests a long and unfolding complexity, which it briefly delivers before abruptly stopping, like a slammed door. However, there's an aftertaste of Nutella on white toast. Supposedly "double matured" for two years in amontillado sherry casks, there's a strong sherry influence on both the nose and palate, with briny notes, dryness, and a bittersweet quality. It's an odd profile for Cardhu, which is usually a sweet, smooth whisky. Enthusiasts of the Special Releases might enjoy its unusual character, but fans of the standard Cardhu range probably won't care for it. Overall, it's an okay but not great whisky – just barely above average. This reminded me of some of the lighter, fruity Speyside bottlings in Diageo's "Flora and Fauna" range, and it seems very young; I would never have guessed it was 14 years old. Tasted from a 30 ml sample. "Above Average (just barely)": 80/100 (3 stars)

Nose: Toffee with hints of a salted nuttiness. It blends with salted caramel and a bit of nougat too. Reminds me of a nice chocolate truffle. Lastly, a touch of citrus peel. Palate: Very citrusy on the palate, with a little more milk chocolate and caramel that blends well with the freshness of the citrus. Finish: A bit of cooked caramel and a hint of ginger spice, which is a nice addition to the slight bitterness that emerges at the end