Cardhu comes from one of the oldest of the Speyside distilleries, which have nestled in foothills near the River Spey for 200 years and the Cardhu range is an excellent representation of these Speyside whiskies. Known for its smooth, sweet-natured single malt whisky, the history of Cardhu’s rise to fame is to a large part told in the story of two determined women who were members of the founding family. Helen Cumming, who founded the distillery with her husband in 1811, can fairly be called the first ‘woman of whisky’, and her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, became known as the ‘Queen of the Whisky Trade’ after cleverly exploiting the growing popularity of Scotch whisky in the late 1880s. Elizabeth’s achievements made Cardhu an irresistible acquisition for John Walker & Sons in 1893. The new owners kindly allowed Elizabeth to remain in ‘her hospitable home’ to the delight of local folk, by whom she was highly regarded. The light character of the 12yr old Cardhu is an excellent starting point for anyone starting on their whisky journey.

About Caol Ila

Having recently been awarded Double Gold in both 2010 and 2011 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Coal Ila is the ideal gift for any distinguished whisky enthusiasts. The ultimate Islay malt, Caol Ila is considered by experts to be the perfect entry point into the world of peaty malt whiskies. Unique and distinctive Islay smokiness makes Caol Ila a reference for connoisseurs of Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky the world over.

Caol Ila is the Gaelic name for the Sound of Islay, which separates the island from Jura in one of the most remote and beautiful parts of Scotland’s West Coast. The distillery was founded in 1846 and is situated on the shores of the Sound, a spot originally chosen partly because of the clean water from Loch Nam Ban which still provides its main supply.

Taste

Fresh, sweetly fruity and smooth-bodied, Caol Ila 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky is the colour of pale straw, with a delicate balance of tastes. The clean, appetising nose shows subtle citrus fruit with just a puff of smoke. Firm and smooth, it begins sweetly then yields a fragrant smokiness and a sweet-smoky, lingering finish.

Food Match

Try it with appetising, salty savoury dishes. For example, olive tapenade on French bread, or juicy warm chorizo sausage. Odd as it may sound, shortbread works well too.