Cardhu 11 Year 2020 Special Release

We're always glad to see Cardhu make an appearance in the Special Releases as it's often a chance to explore the spirit beyond the very popular standard releases. The 2020 release was distilled in 2008 and matured for 11 years in a combination of refill casks and both new and ex-bourbon American oak hogsheads. We imagine the new oak element will add a fair bit of spicyness to Cardhu's elegant, gentle spirit. Bottled at cask strength of 56%.

Nose : Mellow in feel, with light prickle. A hint of new wood pencil cases introduces freshly juicy, fruity top notes of green apple, green grape and pineapple, which gradually come together with a trace of lemon peel as a sweet fresh fruit salad, on a faintly mossy base. A drop of water adds a further juicy note of boiled fruit sweets.

Palate : At natural strength, a creamy-smooth texture and a sweet then juicy taste with traces of fondant mid-palate; deliciously buttery, hot and spicy, recalling toasted hot-cross buns. Slightly sweeter at reduced strength and buttery-soft, with enhancedpepper. Drying lightly overall.

Finish : Quite long, with some white pepper for a lingering warmth.