Cardhu Distillery from the Speyside region is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. The festivities began with a bang this International Women’s Day, on 8th March, honouring the pioneering spirit of the women who have shaped Cardhu's past and present. The highlight of the celebration? The unveiling of a limited-edition exclusively wine cask single malt that pays homage to these influential women.

At the launch event "A Celebration Of Cardhu's Pioneering Women," attendees enjoyed a guided tasting of the special 12-year-old anniversary dram, but they also engaged with a panel of experts who distilled the anniversary batch. The evening was rounded off with a cocktail masterclass, welcome drinks and live music. This marks the first in a series of many events commemorating two centuries of Cardhu whisky.

For those keen to take home a piece of history, the anniversary bottle is available exclusively at the Cardhu distillery and selected international markets for £58.

This expression stands out for having been aged entirely in ex-wine casks - a first for Cardu Distillery. The dram itself is a tribute to the fearless spirit and innovative mindset of Cardhu’s founding women, Helen and Elizabeth Cumming – formidable women who were known for their role in the early days of illicit distilling, challenging norms and setting new standards. 

The whisky itself combines the subtle cinnamon spice characteristic of Cardhu with the vibrant bursts of red berries and blackcurrant from the wine casks, maintaining a smooth, silky and roundness of palette.

The packaging comes in striking red and gold hues and features the iconic image of Helen Cumming signalling with a red flag - a nod to her significant role in Speyside distillery, waving the red flag she used to signal for neighbours to hide their illicit stills from the authorities. 

"Cardhu has a history of pioneering women at its forefront, something unheard of when the distillery began 200 years ago. It took innovation and courage to go against the grain in the way the Cumming family did, and with this in our heritage it was only right we did something bold to celebrate such an anniversary.

As a perfect example of the Speyside style of whisky, it was exciting to work with our blending and distilling experts to create an adapted iteration of what people expect from our distillery, while perfecting the liquid to ensure it retains those classic notes which people look for from Cardhu. As one of the few places in the world to stock this limited release, we’re looking forward to welcoming guests who have made the journey to visit us and buy a bottle, be that from Elgin or Ecuador"

– Roselyn Burnett, Cardhu Distillery Brand Home Manager 

Considering the importance of these pioneering women to Cardhu Distillery, it seems apt that we kick off its 200th-anniversary celebration on International Women's Day to honour them!

Cheers to all the impactful ladies in our lives! 

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team