Diageo launches Cardhu whisky expression

Diageo is to add another expression to its Cardhu single malt scotch brand.

Cardhu Amber Rock has been “double matured” in toasted American oak casks and it does not carry an age statement.

Official tasting notes announce that “the classic Cardhu notes of citrus and honey are deepened by fruit, spice and sweetness: superbly balanced and well-paced, with consistent intensity and texture and a tasteful mingling of silky tannins and clean, fresh vanilla flavours and aromas.”

Master blender Dr Matthew Crow said: “The Bourbon nuances that develop from the second maturation in toasted casks seasoned with bourbon whiskey add an even greater silkiness and roundness to the already balanced and delicious Cardhu, bringing vanilla and spice notes along with hints of oak. We are very pleased with how this has turned out.”

Amber Rock joins the family of Speyside single malt Scotch whiskies, which was recently expanded with the addition of 15 and 18 year old expressions.

The new expression will be available in France and then Belgium from spring 2014, and more widely in Western Europe [UK, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Greece & Netherlands] from late summer onwards. The launch will be supported by in-store publicity, advertising and promotion through digital channels.

Nik Keane, Diageo’s global brand director for malt whiskies said: “Western Europe remains a major market for our single malts, including Cardhu.

“We are excited and confident that this very original new variant will appeal both to existing Cardhu drinkers and to whisky drinkers new to the category or the brand.”

The name Cardhu means “black rock” in the Gaelic language. RRP in the UK is £41.