Cardhu Whisky Distillery

Cardhu Distillery – previously called Cardow – must be one of the best located distilleries in Speyside. High on the hills on the north side of the Spey Valley with extensive views to the south, it is set in attractive grounds ideal for picnics (complete with picnic tables). It was founded in 1824

By the time John Cumming bought a license for his Cardhu distillery in 1824, he and his wife Helen had already been producing illicit whisky for 13 years. Whenever the Excise officers passed by, Helen would disguise the mashing and fermenting as bread-making. Then, while the officers drank the tea she made for them, she would fly a red flag from the barn to warn their neighbours that revenue men were around.

Once the distillery was officially licensed, John and Helen Cumming continued to value quality over quantity. Their son and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, followed in their footsteps. The qualities of the malt they produced became essential to John Walker and Sons (of Johnnie Walker fame – unsurprisingly). So much so, in fact, that in 1893, Cardhu was the first distillery that they bought – although it was still run for a time by John and Helen’s grandson, also called John.

By the end of the nineteenth century, Cardhu™ had gained a reputation as one of Scotland’s top malt whisky distilleries.

Senior Site Manager: Andy Cant

Opening Times
October to Easter
Monday to Friday 11a.m.-3p.m.
Tour Times: 11a.m., 1p.m. and 2p.m.

Easter to June
Monday to Friday, 10am - 5pm.
Tour times: Tours run approximately every half hour.

July to September
Monday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm.
Sunday, 12 noon - 4pm.
Tour times: Tours run approximately every half hour.
(Closed between Christmas and New Year.)

Last tour is ONE hour before closing.

Admission
There is an adult admission fee of £4 which includes a £3 discount voucher redeemable in the Visitor Centre Shop.Children under 18 are free of charge. Children under 8 years of age are welcome, but will not be permitted to the production area.

Contact Us
Cardhu Distillery,
Knockando, Morayshire
Email the Cardhu Distillery
Tel: +44 (0) 1340 872555 Fax: +44 (0) 1340 872556

More Cardhu Information...