Celebrating 200 Years of Cardhu: A Legacy of Boldness in Every Dram
Cardhu Distillery in Speyside is marking its monumental 200-year anniversary. This is a celebration of an impressive two centuries of excellent whisky, and most importantly, a tribute to the visionaries, artisans and female pioneers who have kept the spirit of Cardhu alive and remain a cherished name in the world of Scotch whisky.
The Founding of Cardhu
Founded in 1824 by John Cumming and his trailblazing wife, Helen, Cardhu’s story is steeped in inspiring Scottish heritage. Helen Cumming, a true pioneer, played a pivotal role in the establishment of Cardhu Distillery, defying the norms of her time and setting a standard for quality and passion that remains today.
The iconic Cardhu Distillery
It was the wife of Lewis, their son, who established the character and flavour of the malt we know today. Elizabeth Cumming took over the distillery in 1872 after the death of her husband and soon registered Car Dhu as a trademark. She grew production every year and, by 1884, larger premises were needed. With the construction of New Cardhu nearby, Elizabeth laid the foundations for a whisky of global renown.
A New Approach to Cask Maturation
In recent years, the world of Scotch whisky has seen a shift towards innovation and experimentation. One brand, Johnson Reserve, is redefining the traditional approach to cask maturation with their Master’s Series. The Renoir Edition, the latest release in this series, boasts no disclosed distillery and no age statement, instead focusing on the art of maturation and finishing.
The Renoir Edition
Described as an aged whisky hailing from a ‘renowned distillery’ it has been finished in a sequence of French casks that previously held cognac, sauvignon blanc and grand cru. The result is hints of orange blossom cake and pistachio cream.
A Focus on Flavor Over Age
The traditional approach to whisky production has long been centered around the age of the whisky, with many distilleries relying on the age statement as a measure of quality. However, Johnson Reserve is challenging this notion with their focus on flavor profile over age.
Alexander Johnson
“A lot of distilleries don’t look towards innovation, because they have very established customers, and they’ve actually become quite lazy in the process,” says Alexander Johnson, managing director of Johnson Reserve.
The Future of Whisky Production
As the world of Scotch whisky continues to evolve, it’s clear that innovation and experimentation will play a key role in shaping the future of the industry. With Cardhu celebrating 200 years of boldness and Johnson Reserve pushing the boundaries of cask maturation, it’s an exciting time for whisky enthusiasts.
Cardhu 200
Whether you’re a seasoned whisky aficionado or a curious newcomer, there has never been a better time to discover the timeless allure of Cardhu and experience the boldness of their whisky.
