Cardhu Distillery

Cardhu holds a special place in Scotch whisky as the single malt at the heart of Johnnie Walker, the world's best-selling blended Scotch. The distillery is also notable for being pioneered by Helen Cumming, one of the most important women in whisky history. Set on a hillside above the River Spey with views across Speyside, Cardhu offers a modern visitor experience.

History

John Cumming took out a licence in 1824, but it was his wife Helen who ran the operation and later their daughter-in-law Elizabeth who expanded and rebuilt the distillery in 1884. Elizabeth sold Cardhu to John Walker & Sons in 1893, securing a legacy that continues today. It is now owned by Diageo.

The whisky

Sweet and smooth with honeyed malt, pear drops and a gentle warmth.

Signature expressions

• 12 Year Old
• 15 Year Old
• Gold Reserve
• Special Cask Reserve

Visiting Cardhu

Open year-round. The visitor centre is modern and well-presented. Tours cover the production process and the story of the Cumming women. A Flavour Map tasting helps visitors find their preferred whisky style.

Getting there

From Inverness, take the A9 south to the A95 junction at Grantown-on-Spey, then follow the B9102 north-east through Knockando, around 1 hour 10 minutes. Alternatively, take the A96 east to Elgin and the B9102 south from Craigellachie. From Aberdeen, follow the A96 west to Craigellachie then take the B9102 south. The distillery is well signed from the B9102 with a visitor car park.

Highlights

• The single malt at the heart of Johnnie Walker
• Pioneered by Helen Cumming – a key figure in whisky history
• Modern visitor centre with Flavour Map tasting
• Hillside setting with views over Speyside

Private whisky tours including Cardhu

We can include Cardhu in a private whisky tour with a dedicated driver-guide and luxury Mercedes vehicle. Pick-up from your hotel, airport or cruise port.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Cardhu Distillery?

Open year-round. The visitor centre is modern and well-presented. Tours cover the production process and the story of the Cumming women. A Flavour Map tasting helps visitors find their preferred whisky style.

What whisky does Cardhu make?

Cardhu is a Speyside single malt known for: 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old, Gold Reserve, Special Cask Reserve. Sweet and smooth with honeyed malt, pear drops and a gentle warmth.

How do I get to Cardhu Distillery?

Cardhu Distillery is in Knockando, Speyside. We offer private whisky tours that include Cardhu with door-to-door transport from Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen in a luxury Mercedes vehicle with a dedicated driver-guide.

Other Speyside distilleries