Cardhu

Everybody, even the people that are not into Scotch, knows the gaelic word “Cardhu”, which in English means “black stone”. Probably one of the most famous distilleries in the world, they offer you the posibility of visiting their premises and learning from their very knowledgeable tour guides the process of making whisky. You will have to smell, taste and listen to the experts.

Do not skip the shop! Surely your friends and family at home will appreciate a souvenir from Cardhu.

They say what a man can do; a woman can do even better. Those words have been made manifest in the pioneering of this renowned distillery by a woman.

Helen Cumming and John Cumming sited this distillery with the first still at Cardow farms in 1911 and the river Spey was just beneath it. On his farm, spring water often bubbled from the ground and the first and only gallon of whisky to be pioneered by a female was done by Helen Cumming and she spent years making quality Cardhu whisky and in small quantities. This was an occupation she spent much of her time in, even late into her 90’s.

Book a tour and discover the history of the distillery as well as the processes involved in making of the exclusive and unique taste of whisky which Cardhu is known for. You can also browse through the gift shop and enjoy peated drams of whisky. The Cardhu whisky is produced in limited numbers and often left to mature for at least 12 years in specially prepared casks of oak. The longer time to fruition of the Cardhu whisky is justified by its unique and smooth taste.

How to get there

Travelling due south of A941 from Elgin will open you up onto Rhodes. Travel 3 miles of Rhodes and then turn westward on B9102 and travel about 7 miles.

You can also get here by travelling 17 miles due northeast of Grantown-on-Spey on the B9102.

If you’re coming from Aberdeen: A96 North West from Aberdeen, and for approximately 38 miles. Travel left on A920 for another 13 miles which you open you onto Dufftown. Follow the signs till you get to the T-junction at Craigellachie and from here you can follow the signs that will lead you to Cardhu.