Cardhu Amber Rock

Following The Glenlivet, during our journey through Scotland, we visited Cardhu. This distillery is renowned for Helen Cummings, a genuine whisky icon, and serves as the birthplace of Johnnie Walker. It has recently undergone a full renovation post-pandemic. After a rather ostentatious distillery tour, we reached the tasting area to sample six expressions. However, we were left to our own devices by the tour guide, who seemed uninterested in educating us about the offered whiskies. Putting that aside, the initial dram was the Cardhu "Amber Rock," presented at 40% ABV and finished in former bourbon casks. The aroma offered pleasant fruitiness. Notes of pear, honey, and vanilla were present, alongside cider, pear juice, and apple juice. The honey scent grew stronger after a few sips. The taste began with pear skin, followed by pepper, salt, and honey. It evoked the sensation of a pear immersed in vanilla syrup. The finish was quite straightforward yet genuinely pleasing. It contained just two notes, but they were presented beautifully: hay and tobacco. Uncomplicated but satisfying. Considering its $50 price point, this whisky is quite decent. While I'm not a devoted follower of Cardhu, this particular bottling meets expectations. It lacks excessive complexity and delivers a vibrant fruity character. I rate it 86 out of 100.

Golden color with amber hues. Nose of malt with honey notes, floral tones, and caramel. The aroma is not sharp. Taste is sweet, honeyed, with light caramel notes. It's quite smooth. Finish is medium, spicy, with a distinct bitterness. 84/100 Bottled: 06/08/2023

An inferior version of the 12-year-old, with hints of spice and unrefined wine – hard to describe. There are some stewed apple notes here and there, possibly accompanied by butter cookies and cinnamon. Ultimately unremarkable.

Notes of apples, caramel, and spiced rum are present in this robust and malty spirit. It doesn't quite match the 12-year-old, but it's a good contrasting single malt within the Cardhu range.

The aroma has vanilla and sweetness, while the palate offers brown sugar and spice with a touch of burnt marshmallow on the finish.

The aroma presents sweet caramel apple, followed by a smooth caramel taste with a nutty conclusion and a hint of cinnamon.