Cardhu 16yo Cask Strength "Four Corners of Scotland"

Cardhu, the origin of a famous blended whisky, isn't usually the first single malt that comes to mind for me. This is because their lower alcohol strength bottlings often lack depth and interesting tastes or smells. However, I'm convinced that cask strength spirits showcase a distillery's full potential. Their elevated proof allows for the complete range of flavors and scents a distillery can produce to shine through. This led to some anticipation for a Cask Strength Cardhu, which is also aged for 16 years, so it's not a young offering. Bottled at 58.2% ABV, this felt like it would finally be the ultimate Cardhu experience. On the nose, a lovely sweetness emerges. Think sugared almonds; rich honey, freshly made brownies. It also has notes of malted barley and a soft cake. Rice is present too. The brownie scent is fantastic. A superb aroma. The palate was pleasant, but far too basic. It features a honey flavor combined with grass and brine. That's essentially it. Well-executed but overly simple. The finish is adequate, I suppose...; Chocolate brownies, Salt. Quite mineral; genuinely like stones. Ultimately, another letdown from Cardhu. I truly expected great things from this bottling, but even though this and the 18-year-old expression boast a very good aroma, the palate and finish don't quite measure up to the scent's quality. My rating for this 'decent' spirit is 88 out of 100.

Strong and potent, even with a few drops added.