Cardhu Distillery & Visitors Centre
Share with us the story of the only malt distillery pioneered by a woman. The malt whisky produced here has a warmth and cleanliness of taste which experts describe as “silky” and is used in some of the award winning Johnnie Walker blends.
New in stock:
CARDHU SPECIAL CASK RESERVE
Selected from 'very old oak casks', Cardhu Special Cask Reserve is richer and sweeter than the hugely popular 12 year old and can be purchased at our shop.
Cardhu golf umbrella (Black with Cardhu in gold)
Cragganmore golf umbrella (Green with Cragganmore in gold)
Cardhu & Cragganmore polo shirts
Cragganmore parker pen (with box)
Cardhu pens
Cardhu & Cragganmore mugs
Cardhu embroidered lambs wool scarf
(in navy and pink)
Johnston's Wollen Mill Rug
We also have a selection of other Johnston's scarves & gloves
As part of Diageo’s commitment to protecting our environment we have now removed all of our outside litterbins. There are recycling points allocated at Knockando Village Hall car park & Archiestown’s Main Street car park, which are both situated on the B9102.
Thank you for you support in helping us make the world a greener place.
The History of Cardhu Distillery
CARDHU DISTILLERY - In 1811 John and Helen Cumming sited their first still at Cardow Farm on the Mannoch Hill, high above the River Spey. At this location spring water, naturally softened by rising up through a layer of peat, bubbled from the ground. It is alleged that Helen Cumming distilled the first gallon of Cardhu, the only malt whisky to be pioneered by a woman. For many years Helen Cumming produced only the smallest quantity of malt whisky in Cardhu's little still, as quality was her chief concern. She continued to contribute to Cardhu's success well into her 90's.
Elizabeth Cumming, Helen's daughter-in-law, took over the management of the distillery in 1872 when her husband died and ran it with energy and foresight. Under Elizabeth's direction, a new piece of land was acquired on which the distillery was rebuilt in 1885. Sales of Cardhu tripled in the space of a few years and by the end of the 19th century, Cardhu had attained a reputation as one of Scotland's top malt whisky distilleries.
Cardhu has made a unique contribution to the success of the Johnnie Walker Blends. In 1893, when the Walker family wanted to guarantee the quality of their Blends, during a time of rapid growth, they negotiated the purchase of Cardhu Distillery from Elizabeth Cumming to secure supplies for their blending. Elizabeth's son, John Fleetwood Cumming, was appointed to the Johnnie Walker Board. His skill as a Distiller complemented the talents of the Walker brothers, George and Alexander II, who brought both the artistry of blending and entrepreneurial drive to the Board. Together they made a team that ensured the growth of international popularity of the Johnnie Walker Blends.
CARDHU is the luxury single malt whisky from Speyside. It is produced in limited quantities by a deliberately slow distillation process, and matured for 12 years in specially selected oak casks. It may take longer than many malts to reach fruition, but it is time well spent, which is shown by Cardhu's exceptionally smooth and mellow character.
Opening Hours
Opening Times 2012
January to 30th March
Monday - Friday: 11:00 - 15:00
Tours: 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 & 14:00
Easter Weekend
Sat April 10:00 - 17:00
Sun April 11:00 - 16:00
2nd April to 1st June
Monday - Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Spirit of Speyside Festival
Sat 5th May 10:00 - 17:00
Sun 6th May 11:00 - 16:00
4th June to 31st August
Monday - Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00 Friday 10:00 - 19:00
3rd - 28th September
Mon - Fri. 1000 - 1700
Also July, August & September
Sat - 1000 - 1700
Sun - 1100 - 1600
October - December
Monday - Friday: 11:00 - 15:00
Tours: 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 & 14:00
Our last tour leaves 1 hour before closing.
Closing Day(s)
- Sat
- Sun
Contact
Mrs
Laura
Sharp
Knockando
Aberlour
Moray
AB38 7RY
Scotland
Tel: +44 (0) 1479 874635
Fax: +44 (0) 1479 874636
E-Mail: cardhu.distilllery@diageo.com
WWW: http://www.discovering-distilleries.com/cardhu
Grading & Awards
