Cardhu 12 Year Old 1980’s
75cl / 40%
£99.00
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Speyside
Tasting Notes
Honey, Peat, Coal, and Soft Fruit
Vanilla, Honey, Fruit Salad, and Bitterness
Short Finish, Creamy Chocolate, Peat, and Ash
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A foundational Speyside single malt from the pre-standardisation era, cherished for its light, fruity character and historical link to Johnnie Walker.
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Cardhu Distillery / Distillery Bottling (DB) / Speyside, Scotland |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 12 Years Old / Distilled c. 1970s / Bottled 1980s (Likely 1982) |
| ABV & Size(s) | Varies: 40% ABV or 43% ABV / 75cl |
| Cask / Treatment | Oak Casks (Refill American Oak assumed for core profile) |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer (Assumed Colour Added) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer (Assumed Chill-Filtered) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Standard Production, discontinued vintage presentation |
| Intended channel | Global Export / Core Age Statement |
| Packaging | Standard glass bottle, original presentation box/tube. Neck label may bear John Walker & Sons Ltd text |
| Notes on discrepancies | The 43% ABV bottling is significantly more sought-after than the 40% ABV version due to enhanced flavour retention. The 75cl volume confirms the pre-metrication bottling era. |
Historical Context
Cardhu is one of Speyside's oldest distilleries, and its malt has served as a crucial, core component in the Johnnie Walker range since its acquisition by John Walker & Sons in 1893.
This specific 1980s bottling is historically significant as it captures the Cardhu spirit from an era when the malt was being produced almost exclusively for blending purposes. Vintage bottlings from the 1980s often predate the widespread streamlining of the whisky industry, sometimes resulting in a slightly heavier, richer spirit than the contemporary core range. The presence of "John Walker & Sons Limited" on the neck label of some bottles authenticates its origin within this specific ownership period.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The 1980s bottling is characterised by the 75cl volume, a strong indicator of its age. A core technical distinction is the bottling proof: while most modern Cardhu is 40% ABV, this vintage bottling was released in two versions, a 40% and a more highly valued 43% ABV. The spirit’s style is typically light, fruity, and floral.
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 43% | 75cl | Export / Specialist Retail | Vintage high ABV bottling (c. 1980s) | Highest (For superior flavour integrity) |
| 40% | 75cl | UK/EU Standard | Vintage bottling, pre-metrication | Medium (Historical provenance) |
| 40% | 70cl | Modern Core Range | Current production | Low (High volume, standard strength) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
The bottle typically retains the original paper label and presentation box. Due to the bottling era, the neck label may confirm the ownership: "John Walker & Sons Limited". Buyers should focus on authenticating the volume and ABV on the label. Given the age, fill levels should be inspected, though the screw cap may offer better preservation than traditional corks of the era.
Regulatory/terminology notes
As a single malt from the Speyside region, the 12-year age statement is guaranteed. The spirit is known for its purity and smoothness, though contemporary reviews consistently note its easygoing character.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The profile is quintessential Speyside: clean, sweet, and approachable, though the vintage bottling may show slightly more intensity than modern versions.
- Nose: Sweet and fruity, displaying aromas of honey-soaked pears, grilled pineapple, and fresh melon. Producer notes mention a heady nose prickle, pear drops, and tightly integrated heather and honey-nut notes.
- Palate: Soft, silky mouthfeel. Flavours include honey, banana, and toffee, underpinned by pineapple and mango notes. It is well-balanced, fresh, and slightly punchy at full strength, with a pronounced drying effect on the palate. Some reports for the 40% bottling hint at peat, smoke, and spice.
- Finish: Quite short, with lingering sweet smoke in the drying aftertaste.
- With water: Water softens the profile, allowing some malt-cereal, soft, spicy wood, and faint traces of wood-smoke to appear.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
- Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Specialist pricing for the discontinued 75cl/40% ABV bottling ranges from $\text{£175.00}$ to $\text{£399.95}$. The 43% ABV version commands the highest specialist retail price at £275.00.
- Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): $\text{£30.00 – £47.50}$.
- Pricing stratification: Auction pricing remains extremely low for an aged 1980s bottling (c. $\text{£30–£40}$ hammer price). In contrast, specialist retailers who properly verify the 43% ABV and historical provenance apply a premium of over £275, demonstrating a clear collector interest in the high-strength, pre-millennial liquid.
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| UK Retailer | Current | 75cl, 43% ABV, 1980s | 275.00 | Specialist valuation (Highly sought variant) |
| UK Retailer | Current | 75cl, 40% ABV, 1980s | 175.00 | Specialist valuation |
| UK Auction | 23/02/2025 | 75cl, 40% ABV, 1980s | 47.50 | Recent high hammer price |
| UK Auction | 19/02/2025 | 75cl, 40% ABV, 1980s | 32.50 | Recent low hammer price |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Cardhu Distillery is a massive component of Diageo’s operational portfolio. The house style is intentionally light, smooth, and fruit-driven. The historical significance of a 1980s bottling lies in its rarity as a documented Single Malt from an era when most production was immediately routed for blending.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: The most desirable format is the 75cl bottle at 43% ABV, as this strength retains superior flavour characteristics.
Red flags to avoid: Bottles lacking the 75cl volume stamp or 43% ABV statement should be treated as the common, less valuable 40% variant.
Condition thresholds: High fill levels and clear label legibility, especially around the ABV and volume statements, are essential for collector valuation.
Margin/velocity expectations: Velocity is moderate. Margin potential is substantial if the 43% ABV variant can be acquired closer to the low auction price floor ($\text{£40–£50}$) before resale at the established specialist retail price (c. $\text{£275}$).
