Cardhu unveils latest addition

Scotch single malt brand Cardhu is adding a Bourbon twist to its range with the launch of an expression that has been double matured in toasted American oak casks.

Cardhu Amber Rock plays on the brand’s translation from Gaelic as “black rock” to highlight the “golden jewel-like” colour of this new addition. Its arrival follows earlier moves by owner Diageo to expand the Speyside distillery’s portfolio with the recent launch of 15-year-old and 18-year-old expressions.

Introducing this new member of the Cardhu range, master blender Dr Matthew Crow explained: “The Bourbon nuances that develop from the second maturation in toasted casks seasoned with Bourbon whiskey add an even greater silkiness and roundness.”

Available primarily through specialist whisky outlets, the new expression will carry an RRP of £41. After making its debut in France and Belgium this spring, Cardhu Amber Rock will then be rolled out more widely across Western Europe, including the UK, in late summer 2014.

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