Cardhu Gold Reserve

When I traveled to Italy, I had promised my sister-in-law that I would bring whisky, only to discover upon arrival that I had completely forgotten them. As she typically dislikes peaty whisky, I opted to discreetly buy a non-smoky dram from my 'to try' list, which was not overly expensive. The Cardhu suited the purpose well. The Cardhu Gold Reserve is acceptable. However, the nose is a little sharp and it truly needs time to mellow its intensity. After some aeration, it reveals notes of apple, toffee, and a whisper of honey, yet still tastes somewhat sharp. I have encountered many very favorable reviews and observed relatively high ratings, but for my assessment, it earns a solid two and a half, possibly three, stars. It's not bad at all, but it won't be an immediate favorite.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 05/02/2022 Ankara Nose: After opening with a few drops of water, a sweet apple scent is noticeable. Honey and oak accompany the apple. Palate: Young alcohol accompanies the apple aroma from the nose. This effect results in a spicier taste and dryness. Finish: Sweet, spicy, and dry finish. Short finish. Overall: A single malt with light fruitiness and a warm sensation on the palate. Due to its short finish, drinking it with ice might allow for slower consumption. Knowing it has a short finish, drinking it slowly enhances the enjoyment. 83/100

This is a whisky you can easily drink a lot of. It's one of the most approachable whiskies I've encountered. The initial taste is oaky, biscuity, and moderately sweet, more like a toffee apple than pure sugar. A touch of ginger and cinnamon spice is present in the brief finish. This expression demonstrates that Cardhu is a key component in Johnnie Walker blends, yet this NAS bottling possesses its own distinct character. It's unlikely to be a whisky that elicits effusive praise, but it is a pleasant, understated, and easy-drinking dram.

Nose: Sweetness, berry, strawberry, low mid intensity, floral scent. Intensity: 2.5. Palate: Lightness, berry sweetness and red fruit remain, very light actually and lacks complexity. Intensity: 1.25. Finish: Little sustain, oaky. Intensity: 1. Overall Intensity: 1.5. High intensity, berries, sweetness, dryness, pear. Intensity: 1.75. Much milder flavor than the intensity suggests, pleasant and slow developing flavor, pear, citrus and orange fruits, light oaky. Intensity: 3. Mild smokiness, nice smooth orange/citrus. Intensity: 3.

Aged in traditional oak barrels that have been heavily charred internally. Nose: Sweet and fruity, with notes of apples, apricots, grapes, vanilla, honey, and toffee, plus a hint of ginger. Palate: Fruity, with apples, toffee, biscuits, cinnamon, honey, and strong oak. Finish: Medium length, with milk chocolate, caramel, and a woody bitterness.

A score of 77 feels a bit harsh; I would have rated it in the mid-80s. It's true, it doesn't excite, but it doesn't need to. Sometimes, a dram that is simply not flawed and is satisfying is all you require. This Gold Reserve fits that description. Notes of applesauce and baked spice on the nose, with wood spices and cinnamon on the palate. For 25€, it's a worthwhile purchase. Cheers!