FLYING THE FLAG FOR SPEYSIDE

In many ways, Cardhu is a classic Speyside distillery with a classic Speyside pedigree, producing a classic Speyside style of single malt whisky. It is located at Knockando, deep in what was once prime illicit distilling country. The site has recently reopened to the public after a dramatic re-imagining of its visitor offering, in line with those of its fellow ‘Corners of Scotland’ distilleries: Glenkinchie, Clynelish, and Caol Ila, the latter still a work in progress.

In each case, the distillery in question is being celebrated in part for the role it plays in the Johnnie Walker family of blends, with Cardhu being promoted as the Speyside home of Johnnie Walker. Of the four ‘Corners,’ Cardhu unquestionably has the strongest ties to the Kilmarnock blenders, having been acquired by John Walker & Sons in 1893 – the first distillery to be owned by the company.

Prior to that, however, Cardhu had a notably colourful history, and as with many long-established Speyside distilleries, its origins lay on the wrong side of the law. John