Cardhu

Translation: Black Rock

Region: Speyside

"Proud" of the criminal past

In most companies, one would probably conceal it if the founder had a criminal past. Not so with Cardhu. John Cumming, who founded the distillery in 1824, was one of the region's most notorious blackburners. And thus, legally speaking, criminal. However, as the black burning in the Highlands was seen as a kind of honorable resistance to the British rulers, Cardhu is quite proud of John Cumming. And so the court sentences against him did not end up in the shredder - but framed on the wall of the distillery management.

A little history

On the website of the distillery is to be read, Cardhu would be "the only distillery started by a woman". That is not completely right. The distillery was founded in 1824 by John Cumming. However, not under the current name and not at the current location. The distillery was originally called "Cardow", after the small place where it was built.
In 1872, after John Cumming and his son Lewis died, Lewis' widow Elizabeth Cumming took over the distillery management.
In 1884, under her leadership, the old distillery was replaced by a new building, a stone's throw away from the previous location. Incidentally, the old pot still sold Elizabeth to a certain William Grant, who started his distillery Glenfiddich with it.
In 1893 Cardow was sold to John Walker & Sons Ltd. after sale. renamed Cardhu
- and back in 1908 in Cardow. The operative management remained in the
Hand of the family cumming.
In 1960, the capacity was expanded from four to six stills.
1981 was renamed again - back to "Cardhu".

Since 1987 Cardhu belongs to Diageo, the Malts are still the heart of the most successful blended whiskey in the world: Johnnie Walker.

What do I actually have in the glass?

The Cardhu Malts are round, soft and warm with malty sweetness and a slightly smoky core.

3 reasons to love Cardhu

1) Because the distillery is such a picture book gem.
2) Because equality prevailed long before you knew the word.
3) Because the characteristic "dumpy bottles" look so appetizing.

The one drama for the lonely island

The 18 year old is perfect for an autumn evening with a log fire and a good book.

numbers and facts

Address: Knockando, Aberlour, Morayshire AB38 7RY
Founded in 1824 by John Cumming
Status: active
Owner: Diageo
Capacity: about 3,000,000 liters
3 wash stills (total 36,000 l)
3 spirit stills (total 31,500 l)
Water: Lyne Burn
Visitor Center: Yes
Phone: +44 (0) 1346/874630
Website: www.discovering-distilleries.com