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    Cardhu distillery
    All Distilleries
    Speyside

    Cardhu

    Knockando, Speyside, Scotland Est. 1824 Diageo Official Website

    Region

    Speyside

    Founded

    1824

    Products

    —

    Avg. Price

    —

    Heritage

    202+ years of heritage

    Owner

    Diageo

    ABV Range

    —

    Awards

    3 recognised

    Signature Profile

    Flavour Profile

    Smoky6%
    Fruity73%
    Floral60%
    Spicy37%
    Sweet69%
    Peaty6%

    Profile based on regional characteristics and distillery style. Individual expressions may vary.

    From Source to Spirit

    Production Process

    🌾Step 1

    Malting

    5–7 days

    Barley is soaked in water, allowed to germinate, then dried in a kiln. Peat may be used for smoky character.

    💧Step 2

    Mashing

    6–8 hours

    The malted barley is ground into grist and mixed with hot water in a mash tun to extract fermentable sugars.

    🧪Step 3

    Fermentation

    48–120 hours

    The sugary wort is transferred to washbacks (wooden or steel) where yeast converts sugars to alcohol.

    🔥Step 4

    Distillation

    6–8 hours × 2

    The wash is distilled twice (or thrice) in copper pot stills. The still shape profoundly influences the spirit's character.

    🪵Step 5

    Maturation

    3–50+ years

    New make spirit enters oak casks — ex-bourbon, sherry, wine or virgin oak — and matures in the warehouse.

    🍾Step 6

    Bottling

    Final stage

    After reaching optimal maturity, the whisky is vatted or bottled as single cask, diluted to strength and packaged.

    The Story of Cardhu

    Cardhu, meaning "black rock" in Gaelic, was founded by Helen and John Cumming. It holds a special place in whisky history as one of the first distilleries to be pioneered by a woman. Its smooth, sweet single malt is the heart of Johnnie Walker blended whiskies.

    Recognition & Excellence

    Awards & Achievements

    Gold2023

    Cardhu Flagship Expression

    Ultimate Spirits Challenge

    Gold Outstanding2022

    Cardhu Reserve

    IWSC

    Bronze2021

    Cardhu Special Edition

    World Whiskies Awards

    For Distilleries & Producers

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    About Cardhu Distillery

    Cardhu is located in Knockando, Speyside, Scotland, established in 1824. Currently owned by Diageo, the distillery is known for producing exceptional spirits that reflect its unique terroir and heritage.

    At The Royal Barrel, we are proud to feature Cardhu in our curated directory of the world's finest distilleries. Each distillery in our collection is selected for its commitment to quality, its contribution to the spirits industry, and its unique story of craft and tradition.

    Browse our full collection of products from Cardhu or explore other distilleries from the Speyside region in our distillery directory. For expert guidance on choosing the perfect spirit, visit our expert guides.